King Salman Brands Houthis 'Terrorist Militia' After Mecca Drone Attack Attempt
In a powerful address during a Cabinet session in Jeddah on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud officially designated the Iran-backed Houthi group as a terrorist militia. The King denounced a recent attempt to target the holy city of Mecca, labeling the act a heinous crime that violates the sanctity of Islam's most sacred sites and strikes at the heart of the Muslim world.
A Decade-Long Security Breach
The declaration follows a significant security incident last week, when Saudi air defenses intercepted a drone south of Mecca. This event marks the first major security alert regarding the holy city in nearly ten years, the last major attempt being a ballistic missile strike in 2017.
While Houthi spokesmen have dismissed the accusations as a "heinous lie" and maintained they do not target holy sites, the Saudi government has remained resolute. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki emphasized that the protection of the Two Holy Mosques is an absolute red line for the Kingdom.
Territorial Gains and Maritime Pressure
The escalation comes as the Houthi group continues to expand its influence along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Recent reports indicate significant territorial gains in critical areas, including:
- Mocha
- Dhubab
- Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab strait
With the Strait of Hormuz facing intense pressure due to the broader conflict involving Iran and the United States, Saudi Arabia has taken strategic steps to safeguard its energy exports. The Kingdom has increased crude oil shipments toward Yanbu and other Red Sea locations to mitigate potential disruptions.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and National Resilience
Amidst these rising tensions, Saudi leadership has been actively coordinating with international allies to maintain regional stability and ensure freedom of navigation. Key diplomatic engagements have included:
- Discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
- High-level communications with Jordan’s King Abdullah.
- Strategic talks with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding regional security.
Despite the heightened threats and warnings from G7 foreign ministers to Iran regarding the arming of Houthi forces, Saudi Arabia continues to observe its 96th National Day celebrations. During the session, the King expressed his profound honor in serving the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, while offering high praise to the security forces for their decisive confrontation of aggressors.