Saudi air defenses: Intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi group near Mecca, the Saudi-led coalition disclosed early Wednesday. The Houthis, however, denied any involvement in the launch.

According to Anadolu Agency, coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki reported that the drone was intercepted at approximately 6.50 pm local time (1550GMT) on Tuesday. The interception occurred before the drone could enter restricted airspace, with its debris falling south of the city.

Al-Malki highlighted this incident as the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca, referencing a ballistic missile launched toward the city on July 27, 2017. He emphasized that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims remains a non-negotiable priority, asserting that the coalition would take action to prevent further attacks.

In contrast, the Houthis firmly denied any responsibility for the attack, dismissing the Saudi claims. Hezam al-Asad, a senior member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, labeled the accusations of targeting Mecca as deceitful and baseless.

This incident followed a day after the coalition reported that 13 civilians were injured in missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, resulting in damage to seven homes and two vehicles.

The conflict has intensified since early July with renewed confrontations between Yemen's internationally recognized government's forces and the Houthis. The war, which began when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and several provinces in 2014, prompted the Saudi-led Arab coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.