Turkey, Pakistan, UAE Condemn Houthi Drone Attack on Mecca
Ankara, Islamabad and Abu Dhabi denounce the intercepted drone targeting Islam's holiest city; Houthis reject the accusation.
KEY POINTS
- Saudi-led coalition intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on Sept 15
- Turkey, Pakistan, UAE and Turkish officials condemned the attempt
- Pakistan cited the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as a religious duty
- Houthis deny targeting holy sites, claim only military/oil targets hit
- AK Party, Kayseri mayor and MP called the attack a red line violation
Turkey's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attempted drone attack on Mecca attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. The ministry stated it curses the assault targeting the holy city.
Saudi Arabia said coalition forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi-launched drone over the southern approaches to Mecca on September 15 before it entered restricted airspace. The kingdom accused the Iran-backed group of targeting the Grand Mosque.
“Disrespect toward Mecca is disrespect toward all Muslims.”
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif invoked the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad. He declared protecting the Kaaba and Medina a perpetual religious duty independent of formal treaties.
The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry also condemned the attempt in the strongest terms. UAE reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia against threats to the Two Holy Mosques.
AK Party spokesman Omer Celik said disrespect toward Mecca amounts to disrespect toward all Muslims. Kayseri Mayor Memduh Buyukkilic and MP Dursun Atas echoed the condemnation, calling the sites a red line.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea denied targeting Mecca. He asserted operations only strike military bases and oil facilities, insisting holy sites are deliberately excluded.
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