Saudi air defenses shoot down two Houthi drones over Makkah

On Sunday 15 November 2026 Saudi Arabia's air defence network neutralised two unmanned aerial vehicles that the Houthi militia in Yemen launched towards the Makkah region, the Saudi‑led coalition said.

Major General Turki Al‑Malki, the coalition's official spokesperson, posted a statement on the social platform X confirming that both drones were intercepted and destroyed before they could reach the holy city.

The incident arrived after a series of escalations by the Houthi forces earlier in the day. Saudi radar installations detected two ballistic missiles aimed at the capital Riyadh and scrambled fighter jets to engage them. The missiles were shot down, prompting the authorities to issue a potential danger alert for Riyadh City. Civil Defence later announced that the alert had been lifted once the threat was cleared.

In addition to the Makkah interception, the coalition reported a separate success in the Eastern Province where an additional drone was identified and destroyed by ground‑based air‑defence systems.

These actions underscore the heightened tension along Saudi Arabia’s northern and western frontiers, where the Houthi militia has intensified its cross‑border attacks since the start of the year. The coalition’s rapid response, coordinated through integrated radar and missile‑defence assets, prevented any damage to civilian infrastructure in the sacred precinct of the Grand Mosque.

Analysts note that the dual drone and missile interceptions demonstrate the robustness of Saudi air‑defence capabilities, while also highlighting the persistent threat posed by the Yemen‑based insurgents. The coalition reiterated its commitment to protect Saudi territory and the safety of pilgrims visiting Makkah, especially during the upcoming pilgrimage season.

Image: siasat.com

📰 Source: Siasat Gulf