Iran-Backed Houthis Target Mecca, Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Drone

RIYADH, Sep 17:  Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi group near Mecca, the Saudi-led coalition said early Wednesday.

Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted at around 6:50 p.m. local time on Tuesday before entering restricted airspace. Its wreckage fell south of the city.

Al-Malki said the incident marked the Houthis’ second reported attempt to target Mecca, referring to a ballistic missile launched toward the city on July 27, 2017.

He said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line,” and that the coalition would take measures to deter further attacks.

The incident came a day after the coalition said 13 civilians were injured in missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. Seven homes and two vehicles were also damaged.

Fighting between forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthis has intensified since early July following years of relative calm.

Yemen has been embroiled in war since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in 2014. A Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.