Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of drone attack in Medina

Adam Lucente

Oct 1, 2026

The Prophet Mohammed Mosque is lit during the sunset prayers in the holy Saudi city of Medina 11 January 2005. Saudi Arabia began receiving Muslim pilgrims early this month in preparation for the annual hajj (pilgrimage), scheduled to take place in the last two weeks of January. Islam's Prophet Mohammed is buried in Medina's landmark mosque, which is Islam's second holiest shrine. All Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage to the Muslim holy city of Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, at least onc — The Prophet Mohammed Mosque is lit during the sunset prayers in the holy Saudi city of Medina 11 January 2005. — KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen accused the Houthi rebels on Thursday of targeting a power station in Medina earlier in the week.

Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the group hit an electricity distribution station in Medina on Tuesday. Following an investigation, authorities determined “the involvement of the terrorist Houthi militia in planning and executing this cowardly terrorist act,” adding that a drone was used. The incident resulted in one power transformer being taken out of service, but the overall electricity network was unaffected, he said.

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Maliki posted an image to X showing what appeared to be signs of a projectile impact at an electricity site.

The Houthi-run Saba news agency reported that the Saudi assertion is a "lie" later on Thursday. A Houthi spokesperson did not immediately respond to Al-Monitor’s request for comment.