India, Sept. 16 -- Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it could enter the holy city's prohibited airspace, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi movement said, as attacks on the kingdom intensify.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the drone was launched by the Iran-aligned Houthis and warned that the security of Islam's two holiest sites and pilgrims was a "red line". He said Saudi Arabia would take necessary measures to deter further attacks.

The incident came after Saudi Arabia issued emergency warnings covering Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid a fresh wave of Houthi missile and drone attacks. The warning involving Mecca was the first such alert reported during the latest escalation.

The de...