# Saudi Arabia warns of ‘red line’ after Houthi drone intercepted near Mecca

https://mins.news/en/item/60192

- The Guardian, 2026-09-16 01:56 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/16/saudi-arabia-houthi-drone-shot-down-mecca-iran-middle-east

> Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the holy city’s prohibited airspace, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Its spokesperson said the security of Islam’s two holiest sites and pilgrims was a “red line”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack.

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