Saudi Air Defense Intercepts and Destroys Houthi Drone Headed Toward Makkah as Coalition Warns ‘Haramain Are Our Red Line’
MAKKAH: Yemeni Houthis rebels staged an aerial drone attack on the holy Makkah city, which was intercepted and neutralised by the Saudi Armed forces in a timely and decisive manner.
The Saudi-led coalition forces say they intercepted and destroyed the incoming Houthi drone before it reached restricted airspace. It is the second time in two years that a ballistic missile was used to target Makkah directly following another in 2017.
The Coalition warns of the dangers of the so-called ‘Haramain’ and their ‘Red Line’.
In response to the interception, the Saudi coalition issued an unequivocal statement, stating that any act of aggression against the Two Holy Mosques won’t be tolerated, and calls the Haramain an absolute “red line”.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned the persistent attacks on the regions of Makkah and Madinah by the Houthis, in the meantime. The OIC said that the Houthis’ persistent attacks have been causing terror to innocent civilians and eroding the sanctity of the holy places and mosques, hurting the sentiments of Muslims around the world, and have urged them to respect sacred sanctuaries.
The condemnations of Imam-e-Kaaba and regional tensions.Condemnations by Imam-e-Kaaba and regional tensions.
Sheikh Dr. Abdur-Rahman Al-Sudais, the chief Imam of the Kaaba, denounced the Houthi attacks, saying they are in contradiction to all religious and human values, pointing out that targeting the holy sites is a sheer violation of international law. He emphasized that Islam lays great emphasis on the protection of human life and property, and teaches that aggression is forbidden, urging greater national unity, solidarity, and vigilance against rumors.
The interception of the drone comes on the heels of a week of regional security threats. Emergency sirens sounded in the Saudi cities of Jizan, Abha and Khamis Mushait on Tuesday night and ceased shortly after, following a spate of ballistic missile and drone attacks on Monday which killed 13 civilians.