Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday strongly condemned what he described as an “attempted attack on Mecca,” affirming his country’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia after it announced the interception of a drone launched by the Houthis south of the city. In a statement, Sharif said Pakistan stood “firmly and in solidarity, shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia, affirming his country’s support for the kingdom in defending the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.
Sharif calls the attempt disgraceful
He described the attempt as “disgraceful, condemnable and unforgivable.” The Pakistani prime minister praised what he called the “exceptional vigilance, courage and professionalism” of the Saudi armed forces and their swift response. He renewed his call for the utmost restraint and for stepping back from the brink of further escalation, saying the region had already suffered more than it should from conflicts.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki said that “the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line,” adding that the coalition’s Joint Forces Command would not hesitate to take what it described as necessary and deterrent measures against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia had issued security warnings covering Mecca and other cities after a week that saw attacks and attempted attacks carried out by Iran-aligned fighters, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East between Iran and the United States.
