A Saudi Arabian military source confirmed that a drone launched by the Houthi group was intercepted before it could enter the airspace over Makkah. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, according to the source. The drone was detected by Saudi air defenses and neutralized before it could reach the holy city, which is a major religious site for Muslims.

The Houthi group, which is backed by Iran, has been engaged in a conflict with Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen for over a decade. This latest incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the two sides. Saudi Arabia has previously accused the Houthis of launching attacks on its territory, including drone strikes and ballistic missiles.

The interception of the drone is seen as a significant development in the region’s security landscape. Makkah, home to the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, is a symbol of Islamic faith and a key target for extremist groups. The Saudi military has been increasing its efforts to protect the area from potential threats.

The exact details of the drone’s origin and the full extent of the incident remain under investigation. No casualties have been reported as a result of the interception.