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Saudi Coalition Destroys Drone Over Makkah
Confirmed
In Short: The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi militia over the Makkah region.
Major General Turki Al-Malki, the official spokesperson for the coalition, confirmed on Tuesday that air defenses had intercepted and destroyed the drone.
Al-Malki also reported that air defenses had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia towards the southern region.
On Monday, the coalition had already intercepted and destroyed two drones in the Riyadh Region.
Saudi authorities have reported a series of drone and missile interceptions in recent days, targeting various regions including Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern, Southern, and Western regions.
The Saudi-led coalition has been actively engaging in efforts to prevent military escalation and open negotiating channels with Iran and Yemen.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia were ongoing, with Tehran aiming to establish new regional security arrangements.
The coalition's actions come amid escalating tensions with the Houthi group, which has launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports, including Riyadh's international airport.
The interception of the drone over Makkah, Islam's holiest site, is likely to upset millions of Muslims globally.
In 2017, Saudi air defense forces had previously intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward Makkah by Yemen’s Houthi militia.
What this adds
The coalition's interception of the drone over Makkah represents a significant escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group.
The coalition's statement underscores the importance of Makkah as a global religious destination and the sensitivity of any threats to the region.
Background
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthis in the Mecca region, a day after debris from intercepted Houthi missiles injured one person in Riyadh.
What's confirmed
- Coalition Says Drone Intercepted and Destroyed in Makkah Region Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Tuesday that a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Makkah Region.
What's still developing
- On October 24, the Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis towards Taif and Yanbu, with Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence briefly issuing alerts warning of potential danger in the holy city of Makkah and its second-largest city Jeddah.
- “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah,” Sharif said in a post on X.