Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Near Mecca, India Voices Concern

OIC Condemns Holy City Strikes

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the heinous strikes on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina by the Houthi militias, saying they threatened civilians' lives, violated the sanctity of Holy places and provoked Muslims around the world.

"The General Secretariat expresses its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to deter the aggressors, preserve the sanctity of holy sites and the lives of Muslims, and protect its security and sovereignty," the OIC said.

Houthis Deny Targeting Mecca

The Houthis deny being responsible for the drone and missile attacks launched against Mecca which they call a lie.

Houthi politburo member Hezam al-Asad said in a post on social media platform X, "The fabrications and lies promoted by the criminal Al Saud regime regarding the targeting of the Honorable Mecca cannot deceive anyone, for it is they who desecrate it with debauchery and licentiousness and by importing prostitutes, and there is no threat from Yemen to the sanctities. Our operations target its oil facilities and military bases, which are far removed from the sacred sites.”

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, said that the Houthi operation was against the Saudi's oil installations and military bases far away from the holy sites.

India Expresses Deep Concern

The Ministry of External Affairs said India is deeply concerned over the drone attack near Mecca. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson R Jaiswal criticized the drone attacks on the kingdom given the religious significance of the city.

“We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah (Mecca). India reiterates its condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure. The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world," Jaiswal said.