OIC Condemns Drone Attack Attempts on Makkah and Madinah
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned drone attacks that Saudi Arabia claims targeted Makkah and the Madinah region. Saudi authorities alleged the attacks were launched by the Houthi group, a claim which the Yemeni group has denied.
The OIC stated that the attacks were intended to “terrorise civilians, violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques, and provoke the anger of Muslims worldwide.”
In a statement, the OIC General Secretariat noted that attacks against “holy sites, mosques, and civilian objects constitute acts of terrorism that contradict Islamic values as well as international norms and law.”
The organisation added that violations against the sanctity of holy sites are “unacceptable and intolerable acts” and demanded decisive action to prevent those responsible.
The organisation expressed “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and supported the measures taken by the Kingdom to protect holy sites and civilians, while maintaining its security and sovereignty.
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia previously announced that it had intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) launched by Houthi militants towards the Holy City of Makkah. This latest escalation is viewed as a potential threat to the safety of the Islamic holy city.
Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition, stated that the Royal Saudi Air Force successfully intercepted the enemy drone before it entered prohibited airspace on Tuesday night (15/09/2026). Al-Maliki condemned the incident as an attempt to intimidate pilgrims and endanger civilians.
He emphasised that the safety of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a “red line” that must not be crossed. The Houthi group previously denied targeting Makkah, stating they never attack holy sites, according to Al Jazeera.
Saudi authorities issued a security alert in Makkah on Tuesday, marking the first time such an alert has been issued since a similar attempted attack by the Houthis in 2017. The danger warning was quickly rescinded minutes later. Similar warning systems were also activated in Taif and Jeddah.
In a statement to the Yemeni news agency, SABA, Houthi military sources strongly denied allegations that their forces were threatening the City of Makkah or other Islamic holy sites.
“We firmly deny any threats from Yemen directed at the City of Makkah or other holy sites,” the source stated, while condemning Riyadh’s claims as a form of disinformation.
This latest attack marks an escalation in the conflict that has been ongoing since 2015, when Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen after the Houthis seized Sanaa and overthrew the official government.