Mecca drone attack: Muslim nations condemn reported Houthi attempt, urge restraint

Several countries have condemned the reported drone attack near Mecca after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone headed towards Islam’s holiest city

Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) described the incident as “heinous”.

The countries also called for restraint and an end to actions that could further escalate tensions in West Asia.

Saudi Arabia said its air force intercepted the drone at around 6:50 PM on Tuesday, before it entered the prohibited airspace around Mecca. Riyadh has blamed Yemen-based Houthi rebels for the attempted attack.

The Houthis, however, have denied targeting Mecca, describing the Saudi accusation as a “worn-out lie”.

Malaysia calls for protection of holy sites

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said reports of the drone interception near Mecca, also spelt as Makkah, were a matter of “grave concern”.

Anwar said any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of the holy city would be “wholly unacceptable”. He also appreciated the swift action by Saudi authorities to protect residents and pilgrims in Mecca.

Malaysia called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian sites and any actions that could put holy places at risk. Anwar urged the parties involved to show restraint and pursue a peaceful settlement through dialogue.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned what he called an attempted attack on the holy site of Mecca.

Sharif said the incident had caused deep concern in Pakistan and praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for intercepting the drone.

He also called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, saying the region had already suffered extensively because of conflict.

“Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace,” Sharif said.

Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina.

Notably, days ago when Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure was targeted by Houthis, and Pakistan was asked about its commitment under Mecca Pact, Islamabad backed down from any direct military intervention (as was proposed under the pact), and appealed for diplomacy.

Bangladesh also strongly condemned the reported drone attack and reiterated its respect for the sanctity of Mecca and other Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

Dhaka said it stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people in protecting the holy sites. It stressed that their safety and security must be respected and protected at all times.

The 57-member OIC also backed Saudi Arabia, expressing solidarity with the kingdom and supporting measures taken to protect its sovereignty and the sanctity of holy sites.

The reported incident comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The group has stepped up attacks against the kingdom in recent weeks and has also targeted shipping around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.