Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi militia launching drone towards Mecca

Riyadh, September 16 (KUNA) — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its condemnation and strong rejection on Wednesday of the Houthi terrorist militia’s launch of an enemy drone toward the city of Mecca yesterday. In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this cowardly terrorist attack on the Holy City, the land of the message, the place of revelation, and the qibla of Muslims, constitutes a repetition of the Houthi militia’s practices of targeting and violating sacred sentiments and provoking the feelings of Muslims worldwide. This attempt marks the second time the militia has tried to target Mecca, following its first attempt on July 27, 2017.

The ministry praised the vigilance of the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces, which intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered the restricted airspace of the holy capital, Mecca.

The Kingdom renewed its call on the international community to condemn these serious attacks and to take a firm stance against the Houthi terrorist militia’s assaults on sacred sentiments and on civilian and economic installations in the Kingdom, as well as against the militia’s threats to the freedom of maritime navigation for commercial ships and international trade. It also reaffirmed its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the security of the Two Holy Mosques, the guests of the Most Merciful, and all of the Kingdom’s territory, citizens, and residents. (End)