Saudi-led coalition says Houthis terrorists attack Madinah power station as Muslim countries condemn strike

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By The South Asia Times

RIYADH - A Saudi-led military coalition said that Iran-backed Yemen’s Houthi terrorists carried out a drone attack on a civilian electricity distribution station in the holy city of Madinah, prompting condemnations from Pakistan and several other Muslim countries.

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said an attack at 5:11 a.m. on September 29 targeted the Taibah electricity distribution station, which supplies power to the Prophet’s Mosque.

In a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Thursday, Al-Malki said an investigation by the relevant authorities, including an examination of drone wreckage and an after-action review, had confirmed what he described as Houthi terrorists' involvement in planning and carrying out the attack.

The strike put one power transformer out of service but did not disrupt the wider electricity network, he said.

Al-Malki described the incident as a terrorist act targeting civilian infrastructure serving one of Islam’s holiest sites. He also accused the Houthis terrorists of attempting to provoke Muslims worldwide by targeting facilities linked to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The coalition said it would continue measures aimed at deterring the Houthi terrorists and protecting the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of pilgrims.

- Pakistan condemns attack

Pakistan strongly condemned the reported attack on Friday, describing it as a grave provocation and expressing concern over the targeting of civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque.

“The sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Islamabad called for an immediate and unconditional end to such actions, warning that they posed a serious threat to regional peace and security.

Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, saying it would continue diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting regional peace and stability.

The condemnation came as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye were preparing for an emergency meeting of their Strategic Political Defence Committee in Riyadh to discuss regional security developments, particularly those affecting the kingdom.

The attack has drawn criticism from several Arab and Muslim countries and regional organisations.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait issued statements condemning the incident, while Jordan reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Türkiye also condemned the attack, according to Arab News.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 member states, condemned the attack, saying the targeting of vital infrastructure in Madinah endangered the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and violated international and humanitarian norms. The organisation also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in measures to protect its territory and holy sites.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government also condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a provocation to Muslims worldwide. It called on Arab and Islamic countries and the international community to adopt a unified response.