Saudi Arabia Claims Downing Houthi Drone Near Mecca

Saudi Arabia’s coalition forces have reported downing a drone launched by Houthi rebels, which was heading towards the holy city of Mecca. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, according to coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki.

Al-Maliki characterized the alleged targeting of Mecca, home to Islam’s most sacred sites, as a “disgraceful act.” The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned any attacks on Mecca and the surrounding Medina province, calling such actions an “unacceptable and intolerable transgression.”

However, the Houthi movement, an Iran-backed group controlling parts of Yemen, has denied any involvement in targeting Mecca. A military spokesman for the Houthis, Yahya Sarea, accused Saudi Arabia of “fabrications and lies,” stating their operations are directed at oil facilities and military bases, far from holy sites.

Sarea further claimed that the Houthi drone and missile launches were in retaliation for over 450 Saudi airstrikes on their territory in the past week. He also alleged that Houthi forces had shot down a Saudi fighter jet in Marib province.

While the Saudi-led coalition has not issued an immediate response, Maj Gen Maliki reiterated that forces “will not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent measures against the terrorist Houthi militia.”

Saudi authorities had previously issued security alerts for potential projectile threats in western regions, including Mecca and Jeddah. The US embassy in Saudi Arabia also issued a “reconsider travel” advisory, citing Houthi attacks on various targets across the kingdom.

Read more on Nile Post.