Saudi Arabia Claims Drone Interception Near Mecca

Saudi Arabia's coalition claimed to have intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels near Mecca, a city of significant religious importance.

Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, a coalition spokesperson, stated the drone was intercepted in the area surrounding Mecca, which attracts millions of Muslim pilgrims annually.

The Houthis' military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, denied any operations targeting Mecca, asserting that the group's military actions are directed at Saudi oil facilities and military bases.

Saudi Arabia has previously reported intercepting missiles and drones aimed at Mecca and Medina, though the Houthis have consistently denied targeting these cities.

A tanker experienced a fire in the Strait of Hormuz after a small boat attached explosives to its hull, according to the British military. The incident temporarily disabled the vessel.

The UKMTO noted the explosives were placed above the waterline, causing a fire in the engine room on Thursday. The tanker was located approximately 46 kilometers northeast of Khasab, Oman.

The UKMTO did not specify the tanker's identity or the responsible party, but confirmed the crew was safe and there was no environmental impact from the incident.