International Condemnation of Houthis' Attempt to Target Mecca: A Heinous Attack Violating Sacred Sanctity

International condemnations poured in on Wednesday over the Houthis' attempt to target the city of Mecca with a drone, as organizations and countries affirmed their solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for its measures to protect its security and the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced the interception and destruction of a drone launched by the Houthi group, which attempted to enter the airspace of Mecca.

Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom's "condemnation and rejection of the Houthi militia's launch of a hostile drone toward the city of Mecca on Tuesday," reaffirming its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the security of the Two Holy Mosques and all Saudi territory.

In a statement, the ministry emphasized that "this cowardly terrorist attack on the sacred land, the land of the Message, the descent of revelation, and the Qibla of Muslims, represents a repetition of the Houthi militia's actions in targeting and violating sacred sites, provoking Muslim sentiments worldwide—especially since this is the second attempt to target Mecca, following their first attempt on July 27, 2017."

The ministry praised the "vigilance of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, which thwarted this attack and intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered the prohibited airspace of the holy capital, Mecca.

Saudi Arabia renewed its call to the international community to "condemn these serious attacks, adopt a firm stance against the Houthi militia’s assaults on sacred sites, civilian and economic infrastructure in the Kingdom, and their threats to maritime navigation for commercial vessels and international trade."

Arab League: Saudi Security Is Cornerstone of Regional Stability

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil Al-Faqih, expressed his condemnation and rejection of the drone attempt targeting Mecca.

Al-Faqih stated in a statement that "tampering with the security of Mecca and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites constitutes an extremely dangerous act, threatening the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the safety of citizens and residents, and visitors to the House of God, not to mention provoking Muslim sentiments across the globe."

He added that this development "comes amid a continuous escalation by the Houthi militia, including recent attacks on Saudi territory, facilities, and civilian infrastructure, further exacerbating regional tensions and threatening regional security and stability."

He noted that the continuation of these attacks "underscores the need to halt this dangerous path, respect international law and the UN Charter, comply with relevant Security Council resolutions—particularly Resolution 2216 (2015)—which calls on the Houthis to refrain from any provocations or threats against neighboring countries."

The Secretary-General commended the efficiency and vigilance of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in foiling this attempt.

Gulf Cooperation Council: Escalation Demands a Deterrent Response

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Al-Badawi, condemned "in the strongest and harshest terms" the Houthi militia’s alleged terrorist and treacherous attempt to target the holy capital, Mecca, with a drone.

Al-Badawi stated in a statement that "this heinous Houthi criminal act represents an extremely dangerous escalation, a flagrant breach of all red lines and boundaries, and a grave violation of the sanctity of the holiest places on Earth and the Qibla of Muslims."

He added that "these terrorist attacks on Mecca once again reveal the extremist nature of this militia, which shows no regard for the sanctity of holy sites or civilian security, and demand a firm, deterrent international response to end such violations and hold perpetrators accountable."

He stressed that harming Mecca, its sanctity, and its security "is not merely an assault on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone, but a grave provocation to Muslim sentiments worldwide."

He emphasized that targeting holy sites "represents a dangerously high level of escalation that cannot be tolerated."

He also affirmed that GCC member states "stand united with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the security of the Kingdom and its holy sites are inseparable from the security of the Council’s member states."

He reiterated "full support for all measures and actions taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its territory and holy sites, its citizens, and residents, and deter anyone attempting to threaten its security and stability."

Organization of Islamic Cooperation: Terrorizing the Peaceful

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the "heinous attacks" carried out by the Houthi group against Mecca and other Saudi cities.

The organization stated in a statement that these attacks "constitute terrorizing the peaceful, violating the sanctity of holy sites and mosques, and provoking Muslim sentiments around the world."

It emphasized that "the acts committed by the Houthi militia, which target holy sites, mosques, and civilian infrastructure, constitute terrorism incompatible with Islamic values, traditions, principles, and international laws."

It stressed that "violating the sanctity of holy sites is an unacceptable transgression that must not be tolerated or forgiven, and demands the deterrence of those responsible and blocking any who dare to threaten them."

The General Secretariat expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, support for all measures taken to deter aggressors, safeguard the sanctity of holy sites, protect Muslim lives, and defend Saudi security and sovereignty.

Yemen Government Condemns Houthi Attacks in Strongest Terms

The Yemeni government strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s attempt to target the city of Mecca with a drone, calling it "an extremely dangerous escalation and a deliberate provocation of the feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide."

The government affirmed in a statement that "the Houthi militia’s attempt to target Mecca, after previously attacking civilians and vital infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones, once again reveals the aggressive nature of this project, which no longer targets only Yemenis and neighboring countries, but deliberately endangers regional security, holy sites, and civilian safety."

It expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, leadership, government, and people, stressing that "the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of pilgrims are a red line, and any attempt to threaten Mecca’s security or endanger its residents and visitors constitutes a grave attack that cannot be tolerated or dismissed as a mere military incident."

It fully endorsed what was announced by the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, and pledged support for all necessary and deterrent measures to be taken against the Houthi militia and its sources of threat, "including all lawful actions capable of protecting the Kingdom’s security, the safety of its citizens and residents, pilgrims, deterring Houthi aggression, and safeguarding regional security and stability."

The Yemeni government emphasized that "targeting Mecca, attempts to threaten the Kingdom’s security, military escalation along the western coast, and threats to Bab al-Mandeb are not isolated incidents, but interconnected elements of a single escalation campaign led by the Houthi militia with systematic Iranian support; confronting this danger requires a firm regional and international response to deter the militia, cut off its arms and funding sources, protect Saudi security and the Two Holy Mosques, and safeguard Yemen’s and the region’s security and international maritime freedom."

Egypt: Grave Violation of Religious Sanctity

Egypt expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the attempt to target the city of Mecca, describing it as a "grave violation of religious sanctity," according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Egypt stressed that such attacks contradict Islamic values and clearly violate rules and principles of international law.

It affirmed its "complete rejection of any actions or behaviors threatening the security of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, considered an integral part of Arab national security and closely linked to Egyptian national security."

It noted Egypt’s support for any measures the Kingdom takes to preserve its sovereignty, territorial security, and citizens’ safety.

Additionally, Al-Azhar Mosque condemned and rejected "in the strongest terms" the attempt to target Mecca—the Qibla of Muslims and the heart of their devotion—stressing that endangering the sacred land is a monstrous crime, a heinous assault on its sanctity established by God, and a provocation to Muslim sentiments across the earth, warning of "the dangers of escalating the conflict to include Islamic holy sites."

Al-Azhar emphasized in a statement that it is inconceivable for Mecca to become a battlefield or a site of threat, and that the sanctity of Mecca is a fundamental principle of Islamic faith and belief that must never be violated or approached with ill intent.

Qatar: Vile Aggressive Act

Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and rejection, affirming in a statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry that "any attempt to undermine the sanctity of Mecca and the House of God, the Qibla of Muslims and the purest place on Earth, constitutes a vile, aggressive act, a grave breach of all religious, ethical, and humanitarian red lines, and a blatant provocation to the feelings of over one billion Muslims worldwide."

The ministry stressed that "the sanctity of holy places, their security, and the safety of visitors must never under any circumstances be targeted, threatened, or exploited in conflicts," warning that "taking actions that endanger Mecca and sacred sites represent an extremely dangerous escalation and a reckless disregard for their profound religious and spiritual significance in the hearts of all Muslims."

It also expressed "Qatar’s full solidarity with the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its support for all necessary measures to protect its security, territorial integrity, Islamic holy sites, and pilgrims," and affirmed its "complete confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to safeguard the Two Holy Mosques and counter any threats to their security."

The ministry reiterated Qatar’s firm and resolute position rejecting in absolute terms any targeting of civilians and holy sites, urging "respect for the sanctity of holy sites and shielding them from the consequences of regional conflicts and escalations."

Kuwait: Assault on the Qibla of Muslims

In Kuwait, the Foreign Ministry expressed the country’s strong condemnation and rejection of the Houthi attack, stating that "this cowardly and disgraceful act constitutes an assault on the sanctity of the Qibla of Muslims, a disregard for its religious status, and a violation of Muslim sentiments."

The ministry affirmed "Kuwait’s unconditional solidarity with the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and protection of the Two Holy Mosques and their sanctity."

It praised the "vigilance and competence of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in countering this attempt," and stressed that "Saudi security is inseparable from Kuwait’s security and the security of Gulf Cooperation Council states."

Bahrain: Flagrant Breach of the Sanctity of the Sacred House

Meanwhile, Bahrain expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the increasing attacks by the Houthi group on Saudi Arabia, including their attempt to target Mecca with a drone.

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that the repeated attempt to target Mecca, following a similar attempt in 2017, confirms that "targeting holy sites is a consistent strategy of this militia, not an isolated incident," calling it "a grave violation of international law, international humanitarian law, the UN Charter, the OIC Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and a blatant breach of the sanctity of the Sacred House and the holiness of sacred sites."

It affirmed that "Mecca is the Qibla of Muslims, the descent of revelation, and a safe sanctuary," adding that "attacking it amounts to attacking the entire Ummah."

It also affirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its complete support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protect its citizens and residents, in accordance with Article (51) of the UN Charter, reinforcing that the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are inseparable from Bahrain’s national security.

It urged the Security Council to "fulfill its responsibilities and adopt a firm stance to stop the recurring Houthi terrorist attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, religious sites, and terrorizing innocent civilians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hold perpetrators accountable, and implement Resolution 2817 (2026), including its call to cease supporting proxy groups, thereby contributing to regional and international security and protecting holy sites."

Jordan: Clear Violation

In Jordan, the Foreign Ministry condemned the Houthi drone attempt to target Mecca, stating in a statement that the attack "represents a clear violation of the sovereignty of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a threat to its security and stability and territorial integrity, a blatant breach of international law, and a rejected act that disrespects the status and sanctity of Mecca and violates Muslim sentiments."

The ministry affirmed "Jordan’s unconditional solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its unwavering support for all steps taken by the Kingdom to protect its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents."

Turkey: Targeting the Two Holy Mosques Wounds Our Shared Conscience

In Turkey, Presidential Communications Director Berhan Dinçer expressed his strongest condemnation of the Houthi attempt.

Dinçer wrote on social media: "I condemn in the strongest terms the despicable drone attack aimed at the sanctity and security of the holy city of Mecca."

He emphasized that any attempt to target the Two Holy Mosques, which represent the sacred value of the global Muslim community, "wounds our shared conscience."

Dinçer stressed that protecting Mecca’s security and stability holds immense importance and great sensitivity for the entire Islamic Ummah.

He added: "As President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan always says, the Muslim world does not need new conflicts, but wisdom, dialogue, and supportive peace."

Dinçer also expressed Turkey’s solidarity with the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, praying for its safety.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed its strong condemnation of the Houthi group’s drone attack on the city of Mecca.

The ministry affirmed in a statement its support for Saudi sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, reiterating its solidarity.

It also renewed its call for an immediate halt to these attacks, which threaten regional and international stability, and refraining from any action that could further escalate tensions.

Pakistan: We Stand Firm with Saudi Arabia

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned on Wednesday the Houthi "despicable and disgraceful" drone attack attempt, emphasizing "Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Saudi Arabia."

Sharif said in a post on the X platform that the Pakistani people "feel sorrow and concern over this shameful act, and there are no words strong enough to express the depth of pain and grief we feel over this abhorrent and unforgivable deed."

He stressed that "Pakistan stands firmly, shoulder to shoulder with the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques," stating this is "a duty every Pakistani holds close to their heart."

India Reaffirms Condemnation of Attacks on Saudi Arabia

India condemned the drone attack near Mecca in Saudi Arabia, expressing deep concern about the incident.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randeep Singh Suri said during a press briefing: "We express our deep concern regarding the drone attack near Mecca."

Suri added: "India renews its condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and actions endangering civilian lives and critical infrastructure."

He continued: "The incident near Mecca raises serious concerns due to the special status the city holds for Muslims worldwide."

South Korea Calls for Immediate Halt to Attacks

South Korea also condemned the recent Houthi attacks, calling for an immediate halt, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry stated in a statement: "We condemn the Houthi attacks targeting civilians and economic infrastructure in southern regions of the Kingdom, resulting in several civilian injuries," expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia over these attacks.

It added that attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, along with actions undermining maritime freedom and safety, cannot be justified under any circumstances, demanding the Houthis immediately cease these assaults.

The ministry emphasized that "peace and stability in the Middle East, including ensuring freedom and safety of navigation in the Red Sea, are of utmost importance to the international community, from the perspective of global supply chains and energy security."

Malaysia: Threatening Islam’s Holiest Cities Is Unacceptable

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that "any attempt to threaten the security and sanctity of Islam’s holiest cities is completely unacceptable," following Saudi Arabia’s announcement of intercepting a Houthi drone before it entered Mecca’s airspace.

Anwar expressed his "deep concern" via the X platform, saying Malaysia "expresses deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s swift action to protect Mecca."

He added that the incident "underscores the urgent need to prevent further escalation in the region," calling for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian sites and any actions that could endanger sacred places.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue without delay.

Algeria: Extremely Dangerous Aggressive Act

Algeria also expressed strong condemnation and rejection of the Houthi drone attack on the city of Mecca, calling it "an extremely dangerous aggressive act against Muslim holy sites worldwide, a disgraceful provocation to Muslim sentiments, and a grave violation of the sanctity of the House of God."

Algeria reiterated its "full support for the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in protecting Muslim holy sites and all Saudi territory," and reaffirmed its backing of all measures deemed appropriate to ensure its security, stability, and national sovereignty.

It called for an "immediate halt to these attacks and all forms of escalation and provocation in the region, which only deepen complexity, intensify tensions, and risk dangerous, uncontrollable consequences."

Lebanon: Disregard for Mecca’s Sanctity

In Lebanon, Prime Minister Najib Mikati strongly condemned the Houthi attack attempt, calling it "a disregard for the sanctity of Mecca and its status among Muslims worldwide."

Mikati stated in an official statement that such actions "do not threaten Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty alone, but also contribute to destabilizing the security and stability of the entire region."

He affirmed Lebanon’s full solidarity with the Kingdom, leadership, and people, standing alongside it against any attack threatening its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Houthi attempt, denouncing "this heinous attack, which constitutes a grave violation of the sanctity of the holiest Islamic sites and a blatant affront to the status and symbolism of the Two Holy Mosques for Muslims worldwide."

The ministry expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, standing with it against any attack targeting its security, territorial integrity, and holy sites, stressing the necessity of respecting the sanctity of holy places and shielding them from any hostile actions, thus preserving peace and security and enhancing mutual respect among religions and peoples.

It emphasized that targeting Mecca, or endangering it, its people, and visitors, not only contradicts Islamic values and principles, but also constitutes an assault on the shared religious, moral, and humanitarian values that uphold the sanctity of places of worship and sacred sites.

Palestinian Presidency: Serious Criminal Act

The Palestinian Presidency condemned the Houthi’s heinous attacks, affirming Palestine’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in facing threats to its security, sovereignty, and stability.

The Presidency stated in a statement that targeting Mecca, "the Qibla of Muslims and the center of their hearts," constitutes "a serious criminal act and a blatant violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites," in addition to posing a threat to Saudi security, the safety of its citizens and residents, and pilgrims.

It stressed Palestine’s full solidarity, leadership, government, and people, with Saudi Arabia in confronting any threat to the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, and stability.

It affirmed that "Saudi security and the Two Holy Mosques are a red line," and that their security "is inseparable from Arab and Islamic national security."

Bangladesh Solidarity with Saudi Arabia

The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry condemned the Houthi drone attempt to target Mecca, calling for "respect and protection of holy sites."

The ministry stated in a statement: "Bangladesh affirms its deep respect for the sanctity of Mecca and other holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," expressing solidarity with the Kingdom and its people in protecting them.

It added: "Bangladesh emphasizes the necessity of fully respecting and protecting the safety and security of holy sites at all times."

Maldives Strongly Condemns Attack on Mecca

Meanwhile, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizz strongly condemned the Houthi drone attack attempt on the city of Mecca.

President Muizz said on the X platform: "Any act threatening the security and sanctity of Islam’s holiest cities is completely unacceptable and constitutes a grave insult to the entire Muslim Ummah."

He affirmed that "the Maldives stands fully in solidarity with Saudi Arabia," praising the "swift response of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in protecting the holy city, its pilgrims, and its residents."

He called for an "immediate halt to such attacks," urging "all concerned parties to avoid further escalation and commit to the path of peace and dialogue."