OIC, Muslim nations condemn 'heinous' drone attack on Makkah

The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday condemned the "heinous attacks" carried out against the city of Makkah and the Madinah region, as well as the "ongoing aggression" against Saudi Arabia.

According to the OIC, the attacks "instil fear in innocent civilians, violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques, and provoke the sentiments of Muslims around the world".

The statement came after Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone said to be launched by Yemen’s Houthi group near Makkah earlier today, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the drone was intercepted around 6:50pm local time (2050 PKT) on Tuesday before entering restricted airspace, with its wreckage falling south of the city.

Al-Malki described the incident as the Houthis’ second attempt to target Makkah and said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line”, vowing that the coalition would take measures to deter further attacks.

The OIC secretariat also affirmed in its statement that "the acts committed by the Houthi terrorist militias against holy sites, mosques, and civilian infrastructure constitute terrorism that runs counter to Islamic values and to international norms, principles, and law."

The secretariat also termed the "violation of the sanctity" of holy sites "an unacceptable and intolerable transgression that requires deterring the perpetrators and blocking the path of anyone who dares to infringe upon these sites".

According to the statement, the OIC secretariat expressed its full solidarity with Riyadh and its support for all measures taken by the kingdom to deter the aggressors, preserve the sanctity of holy sites and the lives of Muslims, and protect its security and sovereignty.

Yemen condemns attack

Yemen's Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, terming it a "terrorist attempt" to target the holy city with a drone.

The ministry affirmed that "this sinful and cowardly attempt represents a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an assault on the sanctity of the sacred land, the site of revelation and the qibla of Muslims."

It added that the attack was also "a provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world".

"It comes as a continuation of the militia's hostile approach and its previous attempts to target Makkah Al-Mukarramah," the foreign ministry said.

Read: Gulf on knife edge as Saudis, Houthis trade blows

It stressed that the "dangerous escalation, and the attacks that preceded it on cities, civilian sites, and vital installations in the kingdom over the past days," revealed "the extent of the danger posed by this extremist group, amid the continued support of the Iranian regime for it as part of a destructive project seeking to turn Yemen into a tool serving its agenda".

Further, the foreign ministry noted the "steadfast solidarity" of the country's leadership, government, and people, with Riyadh. It also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's "right to take necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty and protect the Islamic holy sites, and to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory, in accordance with international law".

Yemen's foreign ministry also commended "the efficiency of the Saudi air defences in foiling the attempt", as well as Riyadh's "efforts in caring for the Two Holy Mosques and serving their pilgrims".

The ministry stated it held "the terrorist Houthi militia, and the Iranian regime that supports it, fully responsible for these attacks".

It called for a "firm Arab, Islamic and international stance to stop them and cut off arms supplies to the militia, enforce relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and support the Yemeni government in restoring state institutions and extending its authority over all its territory".

Jordan slams 'flagrant violation', affirms support for Riyadh

Jordan's Foreign Ministry condemned the "flagrant violation" of Saudi Arabia's sovereignity after the attack. It denounced the "blatant breach of international law" and "unacceptable aggression" which it said "constitutes contempt for the status and sanctity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and an assault on the feelings of Muslims".

The ministry added that its spokesperson, Ambassador Fouad Al Majali, affirmed Jordan's "absolute solidarity" with Saudi Arabia, "and its standing with it in all steps it takes to protect its security and stability and the safety of its citizens and residents". 

Bangladesh affirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry also condemned the drone attack, reaffirming "its deep respect for the sanctity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the other Holy Sites in the Kingdom".

It also expressed solidarity with Riyadh and its people in protecting the sites.

"Bangladesh underscores that the safety and security of the Holy Sites must be fully respected and protected at all times."

Malaysian PM calls for restraint, 'dialogue without delay'

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for retraint and dialogue following the attempted attack, warning against further regional escalation.

“I view with grave concern reports that a drone was intercepted near Makkah Al-Mukarramah,” he said in a statement posted on X. The premier added, “Any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city would be wholly unacceptable”.

Expressing Malaysia’s “deep appreciation” for the swift action taken by Saudi Arabia to protect the residents and pilgrims in Makkah, Ibrahim noted that the incident highlighted the need to prevent further escalation in the region. He called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian sites and actions that could endanger holy places.

“We urge the relevant parties to exercise restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue without delay,” he said.