Saudi Arabia announced that an unmanned aerial vehicle said to have been sent toward Mecca was neutralized by air defense units. The Saudi-led coalition said the incident took place at 6:50 p.m. local time on Tuesday and that the vehicle was intercepted before reaching Mecca’s airspace.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki said air defense forces had detected and destroyed “an enemy unmanned aerial vehicle launched by the Houthi militias.”
Riyadh condemns attempt targeting holy sites
The Saudi Foreign Ministry described the dispatch of a UAV toward Mecca as a violation of the sanctity of holy sites and a provocation against the feelings of Muslims around the world.
The ministry called on the international community to condemn the attacks and adopt a firm stance against actions that threaten civilians, economic targets and the security of maritime trade. Riyadh also reaffirmed its right to take all necessary measures to protect Mecca and Medina, as well as pilgrims, citizens and others in the country.
Saudi authorities said the incident was the second attempt following the attempt to target Mecca on July 27, 2017.
Arab countries express solidarity with Mecca
The Yemeni government described the attempt as a violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and the sanctity of the holy city. Yemen’s Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with Riyadh and called on the Arab, Islamic and international communities to adopt a firm stance that would halt arms deliveries to the Houthis.
Jordan said the attempt was a clear violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and international law. Qatar also stressed that Mecca and the Kaaba must not be targeted in conflicts.
The Palestinian Authority said the attempt targeting Mecca violated the sanctity of holy sites and posed a serious threat to Saudi Arabia’s security. Egypt said the incident violated religious sanctities and the rules of international law, while Al-Azhar stated that the security of the two holy mosques was not a political or regional issue.
Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates and Somalia also condemned the attempt. The countries stressed the need to protect the security of Mecca and the holy sites, while some warned that the incident could heighten regional tensions.
Regional organizations warn of escalation
GCC Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi described the attempt as an act of terrorism and an extremely dangerous escalation. Albudaiwi said the international community should adopt a deterrent stance toward those responsible.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy described targeting Mecca’s security and the sanctity of holy sites as extremely dangerous. Fahmy said the Houthis’ attacks were increasing regional tensions and threatening the security and stability of the region.
Military activity intensifies on Yemen’s fronts
In the latest military developments in Yemen, the Houthis advanced along the country’s western coast and established control over strategic areas in the Hodeidah and Taiz governorates, as well as the city of Mokha and Mayyun Island in the Red Sea.
Government forces advanced toward Hazm, the center of the northern Al Jawf governorate, while clashes continued on the fronts in Marib, Al Dhale and Al Bayda. Airstrikes targeting Houthi positions and movements were also carried out in different parts of Yemen during the same period.
The fighting intensified at the beginning of July 2026 following a period of relative calm after the April 2022 ceasefire. After clashes accelerated in September, particularly along the western coast and around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the war in Yemen continued from the Houthis’ capture of Sanaa and several governorates in September 2014.
