Leading Islamic and regional bodies condemned on Wednesday a Houthi attempt to strike Makkah with a drone, describing the attack on the holiest city in Islam as a violation of the sanctity of the two holy mosques and expressing full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The wave of condemnation followed the interception of a hostile drone near Makkah on Tuesday evening, which Saudi air defenses destroyed before it entered the city's airspace.

According to the Saudi-led coalition, it was the first time in nearly a decade that the holy city had been targeted in this way. The response from across the Muslim world was swift, with major organizations and several governments issuing statements within hours.

OIC and Muslim World League lead condemnation

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents 57 member states, said the attacks threatened civilians, violated the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and mosques, and provoked Muslims around the world. Its General Secretariat described attacks targeting holy sites, mosques and civilian objects as terrorism that violates Islamic values and international law.

The OIC said violations against Islamic holy sites could not be accepted or tolerated and called for measures to deter those responsible. It also expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for the steps the Kingdom has taken to protect Islamic holy sites and the lives of Muslims.

The Muslim World League issued a parallel statement. Its Secretary-General, Mohammed Al-Issa, condemned what he called the Houthi militia's terrorist approach and its attacks on mosques, schools and other civilian sites, describing them as violations of Islamic values and humanitarian principles. Al-Issa called on Islamic countries and the international community to condemn the attacks, saying they threatened Muslim lives and Islamic holy sites.

Gulf states and regional governments express solidarity

Kuwait condemned the attempted drone attack targeting Makkah and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its measures to protect its security and the sanctity of the holy sites. Jordan also condemned the attempt, backing the Kingdom's efforts to safeguard its security.

The prime minister of Pakistan, which recently signed a joint defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, called the incident a dastardly and heinous act. Yemen's Foreign Ministry described the attack as a terrorist attempt, saying it represented a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and an assault on the sanctity of the sacred land.

Saudi Arabia, for its part, reiterated the Kingdom's right to take necessary measures to protect the two holy mosques, pilgrims, and its territory, citizens and residents. The Houthis denied responsibility for the attack, with the group's military spokesman saying its targets were oil facilities and military bases away from the holy places.

Context and significance for pilgrims

Makkah holds a unique status in Islam as the site of the Grand Mosque and the Ka'bah, the direction toward which Muslims pray. The Sacred Precinct has long been regarded as a place of security, and any threat to it draws unified condemnation across the Muslim world regardless of political differences.

For pilgrims currently performing Umrah or planning travel during the 1448 AH season, Saudi authorities have stressed that the incident was contained and that operations at the holy sites continue as normal. The Kingdom operates layered air defense systems around Makkah and Madinah, and the drone was destroyed before reaching populated areas.

Pilgrims are advised to keep the following in mind:

  • Rely on official sources. Follow announcements from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Nusuk platform rather than unverified social media reports.
  • Do not cancel on rumor alone. Umrah services at the Grand Mosque have continued without interruption. Check with your authorized travel provider before making changes.
  • Keep documents ready. Ensure your Umrah permit, visa and Nusuk bookings are valid and accessible on your phone in case of routine security checks.
  • Follow crowd guidance. Cooperate with security personnel and stewards at the Haram, who manage movement and access at all times.

The unified reaction from Islamic institutions and governments underscored a shared position: that the sanctity of Makkah and Madinah is a red line for the wider Muslim community, and that the protection of the two holy mosques remains a collective priority.