India condemns drone attack on Mecca

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday condemned the drone attack near Mecca in Saudi Arabia, saying the incident was particularly concerning because of the city’s importance to Muslims worldwide.The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to media queries, said: “We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah. India reiterates its condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure. The incident near Mecca is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world.”“We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal added.Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it could enter the holy city’s restricted airspace.

Saudi military spokesperson Turki al-Malki called the safety of the holy sites and pilgrims as a “red line” and warned of measures against the Iran-backed Houthis.The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca. Houthi spokesperson Hazem al-Assad wrote on X: “The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone.”Mecca is home to the Kaaba and is the destination of the annual Haj pilgrimage. Muslims around the world face the Kaaba while offering prayers. Saudi Arabia’s role as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites is central to its position in the Muslim world.The alleged attack comes as Saudi Arabia faces growing pressure from the Houthis, who have stepped up attacks on the kingdom and its interests in the Red Sea. Iran, which backs the Houthis, has also been targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.A key Saudi oil pipeline has reportedly remained shut for weeks amid attacks on infrastructure. The disruption has added to concerns for the world’s biggest oil exporter as shipping through Hormuz remains under pressure.