RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Tuesday condemned the Iran-backed Houthi militia’s recent attempt to target Mecca, describing it as a “disgraceful crime” and a violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.
The King said repeated violations of the sanctity of holy sites by the militia amounted to a provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world.
King Salman also praised the Kingdom’s military sectors for their role in repelling attacks targeting holy sites and pilgrims.
His comments come a week after Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace. The Saudi-led coalition said the drone had been launched by the Houthis and described the incident as the militia’s second attempt to target Mecca, following a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.
The attempted attack drew widespread condemnation, with Saudi Arabia saying the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line” and asserting its right to take measures necessary to defend the Kingdom.
Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia have intensified in recent weeks amid a broader escalation in Yemen and the region. Last week, debris from an intercepted Houthi drone in Taif killed a Yemeni resident and injured two other people.
The escalation has also prompted growing international concern. G7 foreign ministers on Monday condemned continued Houthi military operations and attacks on Saudi Arabia and called on Iran to end its arming and support of the militia, warning that the escalation threatened international trade and regional stability.
