DUBAI, October 30: Saudi Arabia on Friday claimed that its forces had intercepted and destroyed a drone allegedly launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels near Mecca, Islam's holiest city. The Houthis, however, denied carrying out any operation targeting the sacred city.
Meanwhile, a separate maritime incident was reported in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, where a tanker caught fire following an explosion involving two devices attached to its hull.
Drone intercepted near Mecca
According to the Saudi-led coalition, air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone in the region surrounding Mecca.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki said the drone had been launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
However, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree rejected the allegation, stating that the group had not conducted any military operation targeting Mecca. He said their military operations were directed against Saudi oil facilities and military installations.
Saudi Arabia has previously reported intercepting missiles and drones heading towards Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam. The Houthis have repeatedly denied targeting either location.
Tanker catches fire in Strait of Hormuz
In another development, a tanker caught fire after two explosive devices were attached to its hull by a small boat while it was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the British military.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the explosives were placed above the waterline, triggering blasts on Thursday that caused a fire in the vessel's engine room.
The tanker was reportedly sailing around 46 kilometres northeast of Khasab, Oman. However, authorities did not disclose the vessel's identity or identify those responsible for the incident.
UKMTO confirmed that all crew members were safe and there was no environmental impact from the incident.
The development came after Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed on Thursday that three oil tankers had struck mines while attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorised route.
Earlier this month, UKMTO reported that October had already become the busiest month for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since March, during the initial months of the Iran war.
The latest incidents have added to security concerns surrounding one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
