Saudi Arabia said debris from two ballistic missiles, intercepted by its air defence systems, came down in the Makkah region as its confrontation with Yemen’s Houthi movement intensified. State television reported that debris fell in Sabuhah village, about 35 kilometres northeast of the Grand Mosque, and in Wadi al-Maghmas, roughly 21 kilometres east of the holy site.
In a statement issued early on Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence said the missiles had been fired towards the area and were then intercepted and destroyed. The agency condemned the incident and said the alleged targeting of civilian infrastructure breached international humanitarian law.
Debris falls near Makkah after missile interception
The Civil Defence said the attack showed a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” and pointed to what it called the dangerous hostile approach of the Houthi militia. The department did not describe any casualties or damage in its statement, according to the reports cited.
Also read: Saudi coalition says it intercepted Houthi missile toward Medina · Saudi air defences intercept Houthi missiles aimed at Riyadh
Makkah holds deep religious importance for Muslims worldwide. It is the location of Islam’s holiest site and the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, which draws millions of worshippers each year.
Houthis reject claims they target holy cities
The Houthis have repeatedly denied Saudi accusations that they target Makkah and Madinah, which Muslims regard as the two holiest cities. The group says its military operations are aimed at military and strategic installations elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
The latest incident comes as hostilities between Riyadh and the Houthis have resumed. The Houthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, and Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention the following year in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Renewed fighting raises concerns over Red Sea shipping
A United Nations-brokered truce in 2022 largely halted fighting, but hostilities returned earlier this year. The Houthis have carried out missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory, while Riyadh has launched airstrikes in Yemen.
The escalation has also raised concerns about the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic maritime passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The waterway is a key route for international shipping and trade, so any disruption could threaten commercial traffic between Europe and Asia.
