Arab and Islamic nations condemn Houthi drone attack attempt on Makkah

In a new escalation extending from Yemen’s frontlines to the vicinity of Islam’s holiest site, Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthi group before it entered the airspace of the holy city of Makkah. The incident drew widespread Arab, Islamic, and international condemnation, with calls to safeguard holy sites and the Kingdom’s security.

Drone intercepted south of Makkah

Spokesman for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, said air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthis on Tuesday evening.

Al-Maliki explained that the interception took place at 6:50 p.m. local time, before the drone entered the airspace of the holy city, adding that the operation occurred south of Makkah.

The announcement comes amid ongoing Houthi escalation, which in recent days has included targeting sites and facilities inside Saudi Arabia, coinciding with rising tensions in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

Kingdom warns of escalation’s wider impact

The attempted attack on Makkah coincided with Saudi Arabia’s warning to the UN Security Council about the expanding scope of Houthi escalation and its impact on regional and international security.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, told a Security Council session on developments in Bab Al-Mandab that targeting ships and maritime passages threatens not just one country but one of the world’s most vital waterways, warning of economic repercussions beyond the region.

Al-Wasel reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to its national security and its right to take necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. He stressed that addressing threats to navigation is tied to achieving stability in Yemen and reaching a lasting political solution to the crisis.

Widespread Arab and Islamic condemnation

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned what it described as Houthi attacks on Makkah and Madinah, saying that targeting holy sites and mosques violates their sanctity and offends Muslims worldwide.

The organization expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures it takes to protect its security and the sanctity of holy sites, stressing the need to deter any attempts to harm them.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attempted drone attack on Makkah, affirming Kuwait’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for its efforts to protect its sovereignty, security, and the Two Holy Mosques.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs likewise condemned the attempt, calling it a violation of Saudi sovereignty, a threat to its security and stability, and an affront to the status and sanctity of Makkah. Jordan reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom.

Pakistan and Malaysia express solidarity

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attempted drone incursion into Makkah’s airspace, affirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also stated that any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Makkah is unacceptable, expressing appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s swift action to protect residents and pilgrims, and calling for an end to attacks on civilian sites and restraint from any action endangering holy places.

Yemeni government blames Houthis and Iran

The Yemeni government reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, affirming its support for the Kingdom’s right to protect its sovereignty and the Two Holy Mosques.

The Yemeni government held the Houthi group and Iran, which it accused of supporting the Houthis, responsible for attacks targeting the Kingdom. It called for a firm Arab, Islamic, and international stance to stop the attacks and cut off weapons supplies to the Houthis.