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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has strongly condemned a Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca, praising Saudi Arabia's air defense forces for intercepting the strike while calling for an immediate end to actions threatening Islamic holy sites.
News Desk
President Muizzu in courtesy visit to Saudi Crown Prince Muizzu - Photo: President Office
MALÉ: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a strong condemnation following a drone attack launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting the holy city of Mecca.
In an official statement on social media, President Muizzu emphasized that any action threatening the security and safety of Islam’s holiest city is entirely unacceptable and brings immense sorrow to the entire Islamic Ummah. Reaffirming the Maldives’ firm solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the President commended the Saudi Royal Air Defence Forces for their swift response in protecting Mecca, its residents, and Umrah pilgrims. He called for an immediate cessation of such aggressive acts, urging all involved parties to exercise restraint and pursue peace through dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The response follows confirmation by Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, that Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed the Houthi drone south of Mecca around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday before it could enter prohibited airspace. Major General Al-Malki highlighted that this marked the second time Houthis attempted to target Mecca (following a July 2017 ballistic missile launch) and stressed that the security of the Two Holy Mosques remains a strict red line.
While Houthi officials have denied allegations of targeting the holy city, the incident follows a surge in regional strikes over the past week, prompting Saudi authorities to temporarily elevate security alerts in key cities including Mecca and Jeddah.
