Pakistani Prime Minister: Targeting Mecca Again Is a "Red Line"

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned the United Nations General Assembly on Friday that targeting Mecca with further attacks is a “red line” for Islamabad.

Pakistan maintains good relations with Iran, which supports the Yemeni Houthi rebels who have recently intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia amid the conflict in the Middle East.

However, it also has close ties with Riyadh, which last month signed a defense agreement with it and Turkey.

Speaking from the podium of the UN General Assembly in New York, Shehbaz Sharif said, “We once again strongly condemn the recent vile Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

He stated, “The attempted drone attack on Mecca has aroused the anger of Muslims worldwide. Any threat to the security and sanctity of the city is a red line that must not be crossed under any circumstances. No Muslim would dare even to contemplate committing such a heinous act.”

Last week, Riyadh accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca for the first time since 2017 with a drone that was shot down, an allegation the Houthis denied.

On Thursday, Saudi air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis following several warnings issued in various areas, including Mecca.

In recent weeks, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting oil and military facilities. They have also announced a naval blockade on the Kingdom’s Red Sea ports, making it the world’s largest exporter of crude oil. In response, the Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes on areas under their control.

A ceasefire that began four years ago in Yemen collapsed in July. The truce had been overseen by a Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.