Saudi Arabia’s air defences destroy a drone south of Mecca before it can enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, according to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen. ABC Australia and France 24 both report that Saudi authorities say the incident involves a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
France 24 adds that the Houthis deny involvement. The outlet also situates the claim within wider regional developments, including reports of explosions on Qeshm island near the Strait of Hormuz. Across the coverage, the core point is the Saudi account that the drone is intercepted and destroyed prior to reaching Mecca, while the Houthis’ position is that they do not accept responsibility.
The reporting reflects a dispute over attribution, with Saudi statements describing the drone as coming from the Houthi side and the rebels denying the accusation. No details are provided in the sources about casualties or confirmed debris beyond the interception and destruction claim.
