Riyadh, Sept. 16 (SANA)Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the targeting of the Holy city of Mecca by a Houthi militia drone, after Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed the aircraft before it entered the city’s restricted airspace.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as an attack targeting the sanctity of Mecca, saying the incident represents a violation of holy sites and provokes the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.

In a statement, the ministry called on the international community to take a firm position against attacks targeting religious sites, civilian facilities, maritime navigation and international trade.

It also praised the readiness of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, which intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Mecca before it entered the city’s restricted airspace, reaffirming the Kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to protect the security of the Two Holy Mosques, worshippers, its territory and residents.

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the drone was intercepted on Tuesday evening, describing it as an attempt to target one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kingdom in protecting its sovereignty and the security of the Two Holy Mosques.

Sharif said the Pakistani people were deeply saddened by the incident and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the sustainable path toward peace.

The incident comes amid renewed regional tensions and continued attacks involving Yemen’s Houthis, including reported strikes targeting Saudi territory and infrastructure.