President condemns attempted Houthi drone attack targeting Makkah

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has strongly condemned an attempted Houthi drone attack targeting the Holy City of Makkah, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calling for an end to attacks that could further escalate tensions in the region.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the President said any act threatening the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city was “completely unacceptable” and deeply offensive to the Muslim Ummah.

He said the Maldives stands in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commended the swift response of the Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces in protecting Makkah, its pilgrims and residents.

President Muizzu also called for an immediate cessation of such attacks and urged all parties to avoid further escalation and pursue peace and dialogue.

The comments came after Saudi Arabia said its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening, before it entered the restricted airspace over the holy city. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the drone was intercepted at around 6:50pm local time.

Saudi authorities described the security of Makkah, the two holy mosques and pilgrims as a red line. The incident also prompted security alerts in Makkah and other parts of the Kingdom amid a broader escalation involving Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.

The Houthis, however, have denied targeting Makkah or other Islamic holy sites, rejecting Saudi Arabia’s account of the incident.

The Maldives Government also issued a separate statement condemning the attempted attack, saying the drone was intercepted before entering Makkah’s restricted airspace and reaffirming the Maldives’ support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect the Two Holy Mosques.

Makkah is Islam’s holiest city and the location of the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque, which are central to the annual Hajj pilgrimage and year-round Umrah. The latest incident comes amid renewed fighting involving the Houthis and increasing security concerns across Saudi Arabia.