A Saudi-led coalition has confirmed that a Houthi drone struck a power distribution station in Madinah that supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque, knocking a single transformer out of service. Coalition officials described the strike as a grave violation of the sanctity of Islam's holiest sites. No casualties were reported, and authorities said the wider electricity network was not affected.

What Happened at the Taiba Station

The coalition said the drone targeted the Taiba electricity distribution station in Madinah, the facility that feeds power to the area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. One transformer serving the mosque was taken out of service. According to a coalition statement, the broader grid remained stable and supply to worshippers was not interrupted.

Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki said an investigation, including an operational review and examination of the drone wreckage, confirmed the involvement of the Houthi militia in planning and carrying out the attack. He called it a "cowardly terrorist act." A Houthi military source denied responsibility, according to Reuters reporting cited by regional outlets.

According to The National, the incident was the second attempt on the kingdom's holy cities within two weeks. An earlier drone directed toward the Makkah region was intercepted before it entered Saudi airspace. Photographs published with coalition statements showed scattered drone debris and damaged equipment at the site.

Condemnation Across the Muslim World

The strike drew swift condemnation from across the region. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the attack "crossed all red lines" and amounted to a "grave escalation in violating the sanctity of Islamic holy sites." The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a "flagrant violation" of Saudi sovereignty.

Condemnations also came from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Muslim World League, the Arab League, the Arab Parliament, and the governments of Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt. Pakistan joined the chorus, describing the targeting of infrastructure serving the Prophet's Mosque as a grave provocation. Each statement stressed the protection of Saudi sovereignty and of the two holy mosques.

What It Means for Pilgrims and Visitors

Despite the strike, there were no reports of disruption to worship at the Prophet's Mosque, and Madinah remains open to Umrah pilgrims and visitors. Saudi authorities have repeatedly emphasized that service to the guests of the two holy mosques is a national priority and that the sites are under heavy protection.

Pilgrims currently in or traveling to Madinah are advised to rely on official information rather than unverified social media reports. The Umrah season continues, and the kingdom's digital platforms remain the primary channels for guidance and support.

For travelers planning or performing Umrah during this period, a few practical steps can help:

  • Follow official channels only. Rely on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Nusuk app, and the 1966 pilgrim call center for verified updates.
  • Keep documents current. Ensure visas, bookings and identification are up to date and accessible on your phone.
  • Check with your national mission. Many Hajj and Umrah missions issue country-specific advisories and contact numbers.
  • Report concerns on site. Security and guidance staff are stationed throughout Madinah and Makkah to assist visitors.