Saudi Coalition Intercepts Houthi Drone Nearing Mecca — First Alert Over Holy City Since 2017

The Saudi-led coalition said it detected and destroyed a Houthi drone launched roughly 1,100 km (680 miles) from the Yemeni border before it entered the restricted airspace over Mecca, the first such attempt since a 2017 ballistic-missile launch. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the security of Islam's two holiest mosques and pilgrims is a "red line" and accused the Houthis of trying to frighten worshippers. A Houthi political-bureau member, Mohammed al-Farah, denied the group had targeted Mecca, calling the allegation "an outright lie." Saudi civil defence had issued alerts for Mecca, Jeddah and Taif the previous evening. India's foreign ministry separately condemned the alleged attempt, citing the city's "special significance to Muslims across the world."