RIYADH: Islamic and regional organisations have condemned an alleged Houthi drone attack near Makkah, expressing strong support for Saudi Arabia and its efforts to protect the kingdom’s holy sites.
Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening before it could enter the restricted airspace over the holy city, according to the Saudi led coalition. Coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Malki said the incident took place at about 6:50 p.m. local time, as reported by Arab News.
He described it as the second reported attempt to target Makkah, following the launch of a ballistic missile towards the city in July 2017. The Houthis rejected the accusation, calling the claim an “outright lie,” according to media reports.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned what it called “heinous attacks” targeting Makkah and the Madinah region, as well as continued attacks against Saudi Arabia.
The OIC said such attacks threatened civilians, violated the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and mosques, and provoked Muslims around the world. It said attacks on holy sites, places of worship and civilian infrastructure amounted to terrorism and violated Islamic values and international law.
“Violations against Islamic holy sites cannot be accepted or tolerated,” the organisation said, calling for effective measures to deter those responsible.
The Jeddah-based organisation also expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. It supported measures taken by the kingdom to protect its territory, national security, the lives of Muslims and the sanctity of the holy sites.
The Muslim World League issued a similar condemnation. Its Secretary-General, Mohammed Al-Issa, criticised what he described as the Houthis’ “terrorist approach” and condemned attacks on mosques, schools and other civilian locations.
Al-Issa said the attacks violated Islamic values and humanitarian principles. He urged Islamic countries and the international community to speak out against them, warning that they endangered civilians and threatened the safety of Muslim holy sites.
The Muslim World League reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia and its efforts to defend its people and protect Makkah and Madinah.
Kuwait also condemned the attempted drone attack near Makkah and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. It backed the kingdom’s measures to defend its security and preserve the sanctity of the holy sites.
The incident has deepened regional concern over the growing danger to civilians and religious sites as fighting involving the Houthis continues.
