Saudi Arabia Warns of Houthi Threats to Red Sea Navigation After Intercepting Drone Near Mecca

Saudi Arabia issued a warning on September 16, 2026, regarding threats posed by Yemen's Houthi group to maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, emphasizing the risks to global trade and supply chains. This warning followed the interception and destruction of a Houthi drone by Saudi air defenses south of Mecca late on September 15 or early September 16. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca but claimed other attacks on Saudi facilities.