Anwar urges immediate end to attacks on civilian, holy sites after Mecca drone incident

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's Prime Minister, has urgently demanded an end to attacks on civilian and holy sites in response to a drone incident near Makkah. Anwar expressed grave concern over reports that a drone was intercepted near the city, emphasizing that any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Mecca is completely unacceptable.

He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia's swift actions to protect residents and pilgrims in Makkah, highlighting the need for restraint and a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The incident, reported by Aljazeera, involved a drone launched by the Houthis towards Mecca that was intercepted and destroyed by the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia's spokesperson, Turki al-Maliki, condemned the action, warning that the security of the holy mosques and pilgrims is a "red line."

Despite the Houthi group denying targeting Mecca, Saudi Arabia issued a security alert in the city for the first time since 2017. The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels dates back to 2015, with recent hostilities escalating in September 2026 following a blockade on Saudi shipping and control of critical coastal nodes. This surge in attacks marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.