Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drone near Mecca, insurgents deny strike

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi forces in Yemen announced the interception of a drone in the southern approaches to Mecca, describing the alleged attack as a "disgraceful act." The military did not provide details about the timing or distance of the incident, nor did it report any casualties or damage.

The Houthi movement, which controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, denied responsibility for targeting the holy city. The group has a history of launching drone and missile attacks across Saudi Arabia, but disputes claims related to certain operations.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the Yemen conflict, where the Saudi-led coalition has conducted air campaigns since 2015 against Houthi insurgents. The rebels have periodically demonstrated their capability to strike across international borders, testing Saudi air defenses.

The attack claim comes amid elevated security concerns around Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which hosts millions of pilgrims annually for the Hajj. The Houthis have previously targeted Saudi energy infrastructure and military facilities across the kingdom.