Saudi says Houthis targeted Mecca with a drone, Iran-backed group rejects claim

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif harshly condemned a Houthi attempted drone attack on the holy city of Makkah, expressing unwavering support for Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty and the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain. The Prime Minister decried the dastardly and heinous attack against the revered Makkah Al-Mukarramah, emphasizing Pakistan's solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect its territorial integrity and the security of the holy sites, which holds a deep significance for every Pakistani.

The attack was thwarted by Saudi Arabia's air defenses, which intercepted and destroyed the Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city. The Saudi-led coalition strongly condemned the breach of security, vowing to take measures to prevent further attacks, calling the protection of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims a "red line."

Expressing deep sorrow and concern, Shehbaz Sharif stated that no words could adequately capture the anguish felt by Pakistanis over this reprehensible act. He praised the Saudi forces for their swift and heroic response, commending their vigilance, courage, and professionalism. The Prime Minister urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path towards peace.

Saudi Arabia issued security alerts across the country, including Mecca, following a week of attacks by Iran-aligned fighters, deepening the kingdom's involvement in the US-Iran conflict. The Houthi military denied any threat to Mecca or other holy sites, as reported by SABA news agency. The recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia include strikes on an air base on Monday, retaliation for air strikes on Yemen, and the targeting of Saudi oil tankers in July.

This escalation comes amid the recent formalization of strategic ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey through the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral security framework aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, enhancing military cooperation, and promoting regional stability.