The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia successfully intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthi militia toward the holy city of Makkah on Tuesday evening, prompting widespread condemnation from regional countries and international bodies. The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces detected and neutralized the drone at approximately 6:50 p.m. south of Makkah before it could enter the city’s restricted airspace, according to a statement issued by the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
The coalition labeled the attempted strike a serious breach and described it as the second major direct attack on Makkah since a ballistic missile was intercepted near the city in July 2017. Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, the coalition spokesperson, underscored that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims was an inviolable red line and warned that deterrent measures would be taken against future hostile acts by the Houthis.
In response, several Gulf countries and allies expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned the attack. Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the drone strike as a violation of the sanctity of the Muslims’ qibla and a grave affront to the religious significance of Makkah. The ministry reiterated full support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, security, and the two holy mosques, describing Saudi security as integral to the stability of Kuwait and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Similarly, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack as a violation of religious, moral, and humanitarian principles, calling it a “shameful” and “blatant” aggression that undermined the spiritual significance of Makkah and Islam’s holiest mosque, Masjid Al Haram. Doha emphasized that the sanctity and safety of the holy sites and visitors must not be compromised or exploited amid regional conflicts, warning that such actions posed a serious escalation.
Pakistan also condemned the assault, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar affirming support for Saudi Arabia in defending the holy sites and maintaining regional security. They called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing tensions.
Amid these developments, the United Nations highlighted growing concerns over the escalating conflict in Yemen, especially regarding the strategic Red Sea area and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, addressed the Security Council, noting increased instability due to ongoing clashes along Yemen’s western coast and warning of the conflict’s humanitarian impact, including the displacement of over 125,000 people this month and killings and injuries among civilians, many of whom are women and children.
The Houthis have advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, reportedly gaining control of several islands in the southern Red Sea, though commercial shipping has not been directly affected to date. The Yemeni government has launched counteroffensives, amid continuing clashes in multiple provinces.
The UN called for the protection of civilians, adherence to international humanitarian law, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, while urging all parties to reduce tensions and prevent further escalations that could threaten regional stability and global maritime freedom.