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Saudi Arabia — Defense — Religion — World Affairs

Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Near Islam’s Holiest City

Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the incident marked the first reported Houthi attempt to target the area around Islam’s holiest city since a missile was intercepted in 2017.

,   and  TIPP Staff
2 min read
Photo by tasnim umar / Unsplash

Saudi Arabia said Tuesday that it intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca, triggering condemnation across the region as fighting involving the Iran-backed Yemeni group intensifies.

According to CNN, Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the incident marked the first reported Houthi attempt to target the area around Islam’s holiest city since a missile was intercepted in 2017.

The Houthis denied targeting Mecca. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group’s attacks were aimed at Saudi oil facilities and military sites away from holy locations.

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The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the incident, saying attacks near religious sites threaten civilians and violate their sanctity. Pakistan also expressed support for Saudi Arabia.

The incident follows Houthi missile and drone attacks on several Saudi cities that reportedly injured 13 civilians. Saudi forces have responded with airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The report said the expanding conflict is also raising concerns over Red Sea shipping and global oil supplies as the broader U.S.-Iran conflict continues.

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