By Staff Reporter
RIYADH — September 16, 2026 — Saudi Arabia says its forces intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement and headed towards Mecca, raising tensions amid escalating hostilities in the region.
Saudi authorities said the drone was intercepted before reaching the holy city, home to Islam’s holiest site, the Grand Mosque.
The incident comes as Saudi Arabia faces a series of attacks linked to the escalating conflict involving the Houthis and regional actors. Saudi Arabia has also halted oil loadings at the port of Yanbu following recent Houthi drone attacks.
The Houthis have rejected Saudi claims over maritime security, with their Foreign Ministry saying navigation remains safe in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and accusing Riyadh of misleading the international community.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is travelling to China for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as Beijing seeks to mediate an end to the wider conflict.
The United Nations Refugee Agency said more than 100,000 people have been displaced inside Yemen as fighting intensifies along the country’s western coast.
The reported drone interception adds to growing concerns over the potential expansion of the conflict and its impact on Saudi Arabia, Yemen and vital regional transport and energy routes.
