War: OIC reacts as Houthi forces attack holy city of Mecca

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has formally condemned the attacks launched against the holy cities of Mecca and Medina by Houthi forces. The group described the assault on the revered sites as "heinous," highlighting that the actions were intended to "intimidate civilians, desecrate sacred places and religious institutions, and stir the emotions of Muslims around the globe."

In an official statement, the OIC General Secretariat declared that strikes aimed at "sacred locations, religious establishments, and civilian infrastructure" are acts of terrorism that directly violate Islamic teachings, international laws, and legal codes. The organization stressed that the desecration of places of worship represents an "unacceptable violation" that demands those accountable be held responsible.

The OIC expressed "complete solidarity" with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and backed the protective measures undertaken by the nation to shield holy sites, civilian populations, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty. Prior to this, the Saudi-led coalition announced that a drone launched by the Houthis en route to Mecca had been successfully intercepted and neutralized, marking a potentially dangerous escalation.

Turki al-Maliki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, denounced the incident as an attempt to frighten worshippers and endanger civilians, stressing that the defense of the two holiest mosques and pilgrims constitutes a "critical boundary." The Houthis have repeatedly denied targeting Mecca, claiming their operations do not extend to sacred locations.