Saudi air defences intercept a Houthi drone near Mecca as security alerts rise across Saudi Arabia (Img: File Photo/ Pinterest)
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has stepped up security measures after its air defences intercepted a drone launched by Yemen-based Houthi forces near Mecca, as tensions continue to rise across the region. The drone was destroyed before it could enter the restricted airspace around Islam’s holiest city, according to Saudi authorities.
The incident comes after a series of missile and drone attacks linked to the Houthis and follows security alerts issued in several Saudi cities, including Mecca and Jeddah. Riyadh has warned that it will respond to attacks on its territory.
Saudi air defences detected and destroyed the Houthi drone south of Mecca before it breached the city’s restricted airspace. The Saudi-led coalition described the security of Mecca and the protection of pilgrims as a key priority amid the escalating conflict.
Saudi officials have linked the incident to the wider escalation involving Houthi forces in Yemen. However, the Houthis have denied targeting Mecca and rejected Saudi claims that the holy city was deliberately targeted.
The drone interception followed a series of security warnings across Saudi Arabia. Authorities issued alerts covering areas including Mecca, Jeddah and Taif as concerns grew over further missile and drone attacks. Some alerts were later lifted after authorities determined that the immediate danger had passed.
The recent attacks have also raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure and energy routes. The wider regional conflict has created additional pressure on oil transportation routes as fighting and attacks continue around key Middle Eastern waterways.
The Houthis have rejected accusations that they deliberately targeted Mecca or other religious sites. At the same time, the group has claimed responsibility for attacks against Saudi military and strategic targets during the latest escalation.
The Saudi-led coalition has described any threat to Mecca as a serious security matter, while the Houthis maintain that Saudi statements about their alleged targeting of the holy city are false.
The escalating security situation has also prompted renewed travel warnings. The US State Department currently advises Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing risks including armed conflict, terrorism and the possibility of Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting American interests.
The latest developments come as the wider Middle East remains under heightened military and diplomatic tension, with the Yemen conflict increasingly intersecting with the broader regional confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
