Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca after it entered restricted airspace around the holy city, marking a direct challenge to regional security. The downing highlights ongoing tensions between the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have repeatedly targeted Saudi territory with drone and missile strikes. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred outside the city’s prohibited zone, raising concerns over escalating hostilities in a region already strained by conflict. The move underscores the delicate balance between military responses and the need to avoid broader destabilization in the Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses downed a Houthi drone on Tuesday south of Mecca, outside the prohibited airspace over the city.
