Saudi Arabia Condemns Houthi Attacks Targeting Makkah
Riyadh (ANTARA) - The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned and denounced Houthi militant drone attacks targeting Makkah on Tuesday.
The Kingdom asserted that this cowardly terrorist attack, targeting the holy city and the qibla of Muslims, represents a repetition of the Houthi militia’s practice of targeting and violating the sanctity of Muslim holy sites.
The attack also provokes Muslim sentiment worldwide, particularly as this marks the second attempt to target Makkah, following a previous attempt on 27 July 2017.
The Kingdom praised the vigilance of the Saudi Royal Air Defence, which responded to the attack and successfully intercepted and destroyed the drone before it could enter Makkah’s restricted airspace.
Consequently, the Kingdom has renewed its call to the international community to condemn these serious attacks and to take a firm stance against Houthi militia strikes on holy sites, as well as civilian and economic facilities within the Kingdom.
The Kingdom also condemned the threats posed by the Houthi militia to the freedom of maritime navigation, commercial shipping, and international trade.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Kingdom reaffirms its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the security of the Two Holy Mosques, the pilgrims and visitors they host, and the entire territory, citizens, and residents of the Kingdom.
Several countries have also expressed their condemnation of the Houthi attacks directed towards Makkah.
Qatar strongly condemned the Houthi attacks targeting Makkah, emphasising that the attempt to violate the sanctity of Makkah and the Masjid al-Haram—the qibla of Muslims and the holiest place on Earth—is a shameful act of aggression.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong condemnation of the drone attack attempt on Makkah, calling it a cowardly act, while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.
The Jordanian government expressed similar sentiments, describing the action as a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and international law.