RIYADH, SEP 16: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned an attempted Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca, calling it a “cowardly attack” and urging the international community to take a firm stance against the Iran-backed militia as condemnations poured in from across the region and beyond.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the attempted attack was a continuation of the Houthis’ “terrorist practices” and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to defend the security of Islam’s two holiest sites, as well as its territory, citizens and residents.
Riyadh also called on the international community to condemn Houthi attacks and take a firm stance against the militia, including over threats to freedom of navigation.
Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone that attempted to enter Mecca’s airspace on Tuesday evening, according to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
The coalition said the hostile drone was intercepted south of Mecca and described the attempted attack on the holy city as a “black stain” on the Houthis’ record of violations.
“The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line,” the coalition said, warning that it would not hesitate to take “necessary and deterrent measures” against the Houthis.
The coalition said Tuesday’s incident marked the second Houthi attempt to target Mecca, following an attempted ballistic missile attack in 2017.
The attempted attack drew widespread condemnation from Gulf and Arab countries.
Qatar described the attempt to target Mecca as a “disgraceful act of aggression” and a highly dangerous escalation, saying that putting the holy city at risk crossed “all red lines” and amounted to a “blatant provocation.”
The Qatari foreign ministry expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security and territorial integrity. It also expressed full confidence in Riyadh’s ability to safeguard Islam’s two holiest sites.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi condemned the attempted attack as a “terrorist act” and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world.
Al-Budaiwi said the attack represented an extremely dangerous escalation that “crossed all boundaries” and required a firm and deterrent international response.
He said the six GCC countries stood united alongside Saudi Arabia and supported measures taken by the Kingdom in response.
Bahrain also condemned the escalation in Houthi attacks and expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Manama said targeting holy sites was a consistent pattern of Houthi conduct rather than an isolated incident and called on the UN Security Council to take a firm stance to halt the militia’s attacks.
Egypt also condemned the attempted attack on Mecca and rejected any actions that threatened Saudi Arabia’s security.
The Egyptian foreign ministry expressed Cairo’s support for the Kingdom in any measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
The Arab League also condemned the attempted drone attack, warning that continued Houthi escalation was exacerbating regional tensions.
Jordan and Kuwait separately condemned the attempt to target Mecca with a Houthi drone.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attempted attack and said his country stood “firmly and in solidarity” with Saudi Arabia.
Sharif praised what he described as the “exceptional vigilance” of the Saudi armed forces and expressed Pakistan’s support for the Kingdom in defending the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also condemned the incident, saying any attempt to target Mecca would be “completely unacceptable.
