Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted at around 6:50pm on Tuesday, September 15, south of Makkah as it approached the city’s restricted airspace. Debris from the drone fell in an area south of the city.
Al-Malki described the incident as the Houthis’ second reported attempt to target Makkah, recalling that a ballistic missile was launched toward the holy city in July 2017.
He said the security of the Grand Mosque, other holy sites and pilgrims remained a red line, adding that the coalition would take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.
Saudi Civil Defence had issued alerts the previous day over possible aerial threats in several areas, including Makkah, Jeddah and Taif. The alert for Makkah was later lifted after authorities said the threat had been contained.
Saudi authorities described the incident as an attempt to target Makkah, Islam’s holiest city and the direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide.
The spokesperson said such attacks were intended to create fear among worshippers, pilgrims, civilians and residents.
The incident came a day after the Saudi-led coalition reported that Houthi missile and drone attacks had wounded 13 civilians in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, while damaging seven homes and two vehicles.
Fighting between forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis has intensified again since early July, following a period of relative calm.
Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and parts of the country. In 2015, a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened militarily in support of the internationally recognised government.
The Houthis had not immediately issued a statement on the reported drone interception.
Saudi Arabia has said it will take decisive action in response to further Houthi attacks.