Cooperation Council condemns Houthi militia's treacherous targeting of the Holy City of Mecca: a blatant violation of the sanctity of the holiest site on Earth and the qibla of Muslims

Jasim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), condemned in the strongest and harshest terms the treacherous terrorist attempt by the Houthi militia to target the Holy Capital of Makkah Al-Mukarramah with a drone.

In a statement issued by the Council’s General Secretariat, he affirmed that this heinous Houthi criminal act represents an extremely dangerous escalation, a transgression of all lines and limits, and a blatant violation of the sanctity of the holiest sites on Earth and the qibla of Muslims. He stated that these terrorist attacks on Makkah Al-Mukarramah once again reveal an extremist approach that pays no heed to the sanctity of holy sites or the safety of civilians, and that it demands a firm and deterrent international stance to put an end to these violations and hold those responsible accountable.

The Secretary-General emphasized that any infringement upon Makkah Al-Mukarramah, its sanctity, and its security is not merely an attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone, but a highly dangerous provocation of the sentiments of Muslims around the world. He affirmed that targeting holy sites constitutes a dangerous level of escalation that cannot be tolerated.

He further confirmed that the GCC member states stand united in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and that the security of the Kingdom and its holy sites is an integral part of the security of the Council’s member states. He reiterated full support for all measures and steps taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its territory, holy sites, citizens, and residents, and deter any attempt to undermine its security and stability.