Saudi Arabia asserts right to take all necessary measures after Houthi drone attack on Makkah
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi militia’s drone attack targeting Makkah on Tuesday, reiterating its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the Two Holy Mosques, their pilgrims and the Kingdom. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a cowardly terrorist attack targeting the Holy City — the land of the Message, the birthplace of revelation and the Qibla of Muslims — and a provocation to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. The ministry said the attack represented a continuation of the Houthi militia’s practices of targeting and violating holy sites and provoking the sentiments of Muslims around the world. The Kingdom also noted that this was the militia’s second attempt to target Makkah, following its first attempt on July 27, 2017. Saudi Arabia commended the vigilance of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, which confronted the attack and successfully intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered Makkah’s restricted airspace. The Kingdom also renewed its call on the international community to condemn the attacks and take a firm stance against Houthi attacks on holy sites and civilian and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, as well as threats to freedom of maritime navigation and international trade. Saudi Arabia concluded by reiterating its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend the Two Holy Mosques and their pilgrims, as well as the Kingdom’s territory, citizens and residents.