Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missiles Near Mecca
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell in the Mecca region on Wednesday, November 11, as fighting with Yemen’s Houthi movement intensified. Saudi authorities said their air defence systems destroyed both missiles before they reached their intended destinations.
Missile Debris Falls Near Mecca’s Grand Mosque
Saudi state television identified two locations where missile debris landed, including Sabuhah village, approximately 35 kilometres northeast of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Fragments also fell in Wadi al-Maghmas, about 21 kilometres east of the mosque.
Saudi Civil Defence confirmed the interceptions in a statement issued early Thursday, November 12. Authorities did not immediately report casualties or provide details about property damage.
The incident raised security concerns because of the proximity to Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest cities and the destination of millions of Muslim pilgrims annually.
Saudi Arabia Accuses Houthis of Targeting Civilians
Saudi authorities blamed Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement for launching the missiles and accused the group of endangering civilian areas.
Civil Defence officials described the reported targeting of civilian locations as a violation of international humanitarian law.
However, the Houthis have repeatedly denied deliberately targeting Mecca or Medina, maintaining that their military operations are directed against Saudi military installations and strategic infrastructure.
The group had not immediately commented on the latest incident.
Yemen Conflict Escalates Amid Red Sea Security Concerns
The Houthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, prompting Saudi Arabia to intervene militarily in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government.
A United Nations-brokered truce in 2022 substantially reduced fighting, but hostilities resumed in 2026.
The renewed conflict has also raised concerns about security around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
