Saudi Forces Destroy Houthi Drone Near Makkah Al-Mukarramah on Sept 15
- Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah Al-Mukarramah at 6:50 PM on Tuesday, September 15, before it reached the city’s restricted airspace.
- It was the second attempt to target Makkah since Saudi forces intercepted a ballistic missile on July 27, 2017.
- Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki called the security of the Two Holy Mosques a “red line” and warned of deterrent measures against the Houthi militia.
The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia before it could enter the airspace of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said in a statement released on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The Interception
The drone was brought down at 6:50 PM on Tuesday evening, south of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, before it reached the city’s Prohibited Airspace Area.
Official Spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki described it as a “hostile drone launched by the Terrorist Houthi Militia.”
Official Statement
Al-Malki said the attempt was aimed at one of Islam’s most sacred sites:
“This can only be described as a disgraceful act, an attempt to target the birthplace of revelation, the land of the message, and the destination that draws the hearts of millions of Muslims from around the world.”
The statement added that the attempt was also meant to terrorize pilgrims visiting Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) and to harm citizens and residents in the area.
Al-Malki went on to say:
“The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line, and the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent measures against the Terrorist Houthi Militia and its hostile and terrorist behavior.”
Second Attempt Since 2017
Tuesday’s interception marks the second time Makkah Al-Mukarramah has been targeted. The first came on July 27, 2017, when Saudi air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired toward the city. The Arab Coalition command said at the time that the missile was shot down over the Al-Wasliya area in Taif province, with no injuries or damage recorded.
Recent Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The drone interception comes during a period of renewed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. On Monday, September 14, 13 civilians were injured when the militia targeted Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif with drones and missiles. The week before, an attack by the group left more than 70 people injured, including women and children, across towns and cities in Saudi Arabia.
