International

Attempted Drone Attack Near Makkah Will Remain a ‘Dark Chapter’: Saudi Arabia

THT Report • September 16, 2026

Saudi Arabia has described an attempted drone attack near Makkah as a “dark chapter,” claiming it was a deliberate provocation intended to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.

Riyadh also warned that it would take “necessary and deterrent measures” against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group, CNN reported on Wednesday (September 16).

Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, wrote on social media platform X: “This hostile attempt will remain another dark chapter in the record of violations committed by the extremist Houthi militia. It was a deliberate act intended to hurt the sentiments of millions of Muslims.”

He also pledged that necessary and deterrent measures would be taken against the Houthis.

The drone was intercepted near Makkah amid renewed tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis. Riyadh claims the group launched ballistic missiles and drones at several Saudi cities earlier this week.

The attacks reportedly injured 13 civilians in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif.