# Saudi Arabia says it shot down Houthi drone south of Mecca

https://mins.news/en/item/60585

- BBC News, 2026-09-16 08:36 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr89jqd1w45eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> Saudi Arabia says it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca and called the alleged targeting of Islam’s holiest city a “disgraceful act”. The Houthis deny targeting the holy sites, saying their operations focus on Saudi oil facilities and military bases. The escalating conflict has prompted an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Red Sea navigation.

## Stories

- [Houthi Saudi Red Sea Conflict](https://mins.news/en/topic/houthi-yemen-saudi-red-sea-conflict-2026-08) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/houthi-yemen-saudi-red-sea-conflict-2026-08.md

## 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 warns of ‘red line’ after Houthi drone intercepted near Mecca](https://mins.news/en/item/60192) — The Guardian, 2026-09-16
- [Saudi Arabia shoots down Houthi drone near Mecca, calls holy cities a ‘red line’](https://mins.news/en/item/60159) — TRT World, 2026-09-16