Pakistan strongly condemns Houthi drone attack near holy city of Makkah
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has strongly condemned an Iran-backed Houthi terrorist drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia, saying the incident threatens regional peace and security.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan condemned “in the strongest possible terms” what he called the Houthi militia’s “reprehensible” drone attack targeting Makkah.
Dar said the reported attack violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and “gravely offends the religious sentiments of Muslims worldwide.”
“Pakistan stands firmly with the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Dar said, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for safeguarding the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques, the Haramain Sharifain, and protecting pilgrims, citizens and residents.
The statement was issued in Islamabad on Wednesday, following Saudi authorities’ announcement that their air defenses had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone before it entered the restricted airspace over Makkah.
Saudi authorities have described the incident as an attempted attack by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group. The Houthis have disputed Saudi claims concerning the targeting of Makkah.
The reported incident comes amid continuing regional tensions involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with concerns over attacks involving drones and missiles and their potential impact on regional security and civilian populations.
