Coalition: Interception and Destruction of Houthi Drone Attempting to Enter Mecca's Airspace; Al-Maliki: Security of the Holy Sites is a Red Line

The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition announced that the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the terrorist Houthi militia before it entered the restricted airspace of the holy city of Mecca, on Tuesday evening.

Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, the official spokesperson for the Coalition Forces, stated in a press release on Wednesday that the interception occurred at 18:50 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, south of the city of Mecca.

Brigadier General Al-Maliki explained that this hostile and terrorist attempt is the second targeting of Mecca, following the first attempt with a ballistic missile on July 27, 2017. He emphasized that "this can only be described as a disgraceful act in an attempt to target the cradle of revelation, the land of the message, and the destination of millions of Muslims from various countries, as well as an attempt to terrorize the peaceful guests of the Holy Mosque and harm citizens and residents."

He added that "this hostile attempt will remain a black mark in the record of violations by the extremist terrorist Houthi militia, as it is a deliberate act to provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims."

Brigadier General Al-Maliki affirmed that "the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the guests of the Merciful is a red line," and that the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition "will not hesitate to take necessary and deterrent measures against the terrorist Houthi militia and its hostile and terrorist behavior."