# Saudi-led coalition intercepts drone headed for Mecca

https://mins.news/en/item/60166

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-16 01:09 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/16/saudi-led-coalition-intercepts-drone-headed-for-mecca?traffic_source=rss

> Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi-launched drone before it entered Mecca’s restricted airspace. The coalition called the incident an attempt to frighten worshippers and harm civilians, declaring the security of the holy mosques and pilgrims a “red line”. The Houthis deny threatening Mecca or other Islamic holy sites.

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## Related coverage

- [Yemen's Houthis claim they shot down Saudi fighter jet, deny targeting Mecca](https://mins.news/en/item/60646) — euronews, 2026-09-16
- [Saudi defences claim to have intercepted Houthi drone over Mecca](https://mins.news/en/video/60574) — France 24 English, 2026-09-16
- [Saudi Arabia says Houthis target Mecca, warns of 'red line'](https://mins.news/en/item/60367) — DW, 2026-09-16
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