MAKKAH — Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening before it entered the prohibited airspace of the holy city, the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said.Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted the drone at 6:50 p.m. on Sept. 15 before it entered the restricted airspace over Makkah.Al-Maliki described the incident as the Houthis’ second attempt to target Makkah, citing an earlier ballistic missile launch on July 27, 2017.He said the latest attempt targeted a city of profound religious significance to Muslims worldwide and sought to endanger and intimidate pilgrims, citizens and residents.Al-Maliki said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims is a “red line,” adding that the coalition would not hesitate to take necessary measures to deter further Houthi attacks.
