Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone south of the holy city of Mecca, warning Yemen’s Houthi group against such actions near the sacred site.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Saudi-led military coalition stated the drone was neutralized before it could enter the restricted airspace over Mecca. Colonel Turki al-Malki, the coalition spokesperson, emphasized that the security of Islam’s two holiest sites and the pilgrims undertaking their spiritual journeys is a non-negotiable priority, often referred to as a “red line.” He further cautioned that decisive deterrent measures would be employed against any future transgressions by the Houthis.
Mecca, an intrinsically significant city in Islam, is home to the Kaaba and other revered sites, attracting millions of Muslims annually for the Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah. This incident marks the second alleged attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca, according to the coalition, which previously reported a ballistic missile launch directed towards the city in July 2017.
However, the Houthi group has refuted Saudi Arabia’s claims. Hazem al-Assad, a Houthi spokesperson, took to social media to deny the allegations, calling them a recurring assertion that has lost its credibility. This denial comes amidst heightened regional tensions and a series of attacks attributed to Iran-aligned fighters.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a bloc of 57 member states, strongly condemned what it termed an attack directed at Islam’s holiest city, explicitly blaming the Houthis for the action. The OIC also denounced the ongoing aggression against Saudi Arabia.
In response to the developing security situation, Saudi authorities issued alerts across several regions, including Mecca, on Tuesday. This heightened state of alert follows a spate of attacks by the Iran-aligned militants, contributing to increased regional instability.
The United States Embassy subsequently issued advisories to American citizens, recommending they reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. The embassy cited potential risks including drone and missile attacks, ongoing armed conflict, and acts of militancy. Travel advisories also cautioned against venturing into areas proximate to the Yemen border.
This latest event unfolds as the Houthis have intensified their military operations along the Red Sea coast and in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial artery for international maritime trade. The group has claimed responsibility for several recent attacks targeting Saudi installations, including an airbase strike on Monday, which they stated was a reprisal for Saudi-led airstrikes within Yemen.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
