ISLAMABAD, SEP 16: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday strongly condemned the attempted drone attack targeting Mecca, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia and calling for restraint to prevent further regional escalation.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Mecca,” Sharif said in a post on X, adding that the people of Pakistan were “saddened and perturbed” by the incident.
The Pakistani premier praised the “vigilance, courage, and professionalism” of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their response to the attempted attack.
Sharif also urged all sides to exercise “maximum restraint” and step back from further escalation, saying dialogue and diplomacy remained the only sustainable path toward peace.
“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the defence of its sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as for the security and sanctity” of the two holy mosquest, he said.
Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca at around 6:50 p.m. local time on Tuesday before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace, according to the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said the drone was launched by Yemen’s Houthis and described the security of Mecca as a “red line.” The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca or other religious sites.
The incident comes amid a renewed escalation in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said 13 civilians were injured in missile and drone attacks targeting Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif earlier this week.
