The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned what it called Houthi attacks on Makkah and the Madinah region, calling them “heinous attacks” intended to “terrorise civilians” and violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques, according to Al Jazeera.Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone said to be launched by Yemen’s Houthi group near Makkah early on Wednesday, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the drone was intercepted around 6:50pm local time (2050 PKT) Tuesday before entering restricted airspace, with its wreckage falling south of the city.
Al-Malki described the incident as the Houthis’ second attempt to target Mecca, citing a ballistic missile launched toward the city on July 27, 2017.
He said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line,” vowing that the coalition would take measures to deter further attacks.
The incident came a day after the coalition said 13 civilians were injured in missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, with seven homes and two vehicles damaged.
