Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on September 15, 2026, before it could breach the city's restricted airspace. NEWPAR The incident prompted the Saudi Ministry of Interior to issue an emergency alert to residents, warning of a potential danger amid escalating Houthi attacks. NEWPAR Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman declared the interception a success and emphasized that the security of the Two Holy Mosques remains a "red line" for any hostile acts. NEWPAR The alert was lifted the next day, and officials announced plans to increase patrols and surveillance around the city, while neighboring Gulf states expressed solidarity and urged Saudi Arabia to maintain vigilance.