Houthi Attack Breaches Defenses Near Mecca, Drone Intercepted by Saudi System
Yemen's Houthi group has ramped up its attacks on Saudi Arabia again, one of them targeting near the city of Mecca. On Tuesday night (15/9/2026), Saudi air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a drone before it entered Mecca's airspace around 6:50 PM local time. Debris from the drone and defense missiles fell south of the city.
Spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition forces, Turki Al Malki, said this was the Houthis' second attempt to target Mecca after a ballistic missile attack on July 27, 2017. He stressed that the safety of the Two Holy Mosques and their worshippers is a top priority, and the coalition is committed to preventing further attacks.
The incident happened a day after the coalition reported 13 civilians injured by Houthi missile and drone strikes in Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, which also damaged seven homes and two cars. The conflict's been escalating since July after a ceasefire pause that started in 2022. Saudi Arabia continues to back the internationally recognized Yemeni government in a civil war that's been raging since 2014.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/09/