Yemeni minister urges unified Islamic stance against Houthi attacks on holy sites

Yemen’s Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Turki Al-Wadhe'i, has called for a unified Islamic stance to confront the attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia and their ongoing targeting of Islamic holy sites in Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), Al-Wadhe'i said that violating the sanctity of holy sites constitutes a grave breach of religious and human values and an affront to Muslims worldwide. He stressed that protecting Islamic holy sites is a shared religious and humanitarian responsibility, and that the sanctity of Makkah, Madinah, and all Islamic holy places is a red line due to their deep-rooted significance in the faith and hearts of Muslims.

He added that the Houthi militia’s targeting of Islamic holy sites demonstrates the group’s extremist ideology and hostile stance toward Islamic rituals and the safety of humanity as a whole. He affirmed that every free Yemeni condemns these heinous attacks, which recall the actions of those who disrespected Muslim holy sites in past centuries and ultimately faced ruin and destruction.

The minister also praised Saudi Arabia’s significant role in protecting Islamic holy sites and caring for the Two Holy Mosques, as well as its efforts to harness human, material, and technological resources to serve pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to develop the Hajj and Umrah system and enhance religious, health, security, and organizational services for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. He said these efforts set an example in caring for the houses of God and serving Muslims, reflecting a great responsibility to preserve the sanctity of these blessed sites and ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.

Al-Wadhe'i commended Saudi Arabia’s exceptional efforts and continuous development projects to facilitate the performance of religious rites. He emphasized that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of their visitors are priorities for all Muslims, deserving support and solidarity, and that it is vital to confront any threats to their security or sacred status.

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