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Makkah drone incident raises fresh security concerns amid Middle East tensions. (Images: Google)
New Delhi: A drone attack attempt near Makkah has sparked widespread concern across the region, with several countries expressing condemnation and calling for peace and stability.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was deeply concerned over the incident and reiterated its opposition to attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s territory and actions that could threaten civilian lives and infrastructure. "Location of the incident was particularly concerning due to Makkah’s religious importance for Muslims worldwide," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, MEA.
India joined several countries in reacting to the drone strike near the holy city. Bangladesh also expressed concern, reaffirming respect for the sanctity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and extending support to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attempt, calling it an attack against a site of deep religious significance for Muslims.
The reactions came amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over cross-border attacks involving drones and missiles.
Saudi Arabia said its forces successfully intercepted a Houthi drone near Makkah. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition forces accused the Houthi militia of targeting the city and described the reported attempt as a serious violation. According to Saudi officials, the incident marked the first such reported attempt involving Makkah in several years. Saudi authorities said further measures would be taken in response to what they described as a threat to the Kingdom’s security.
Makkah is considered one of the holiest cities in Islam and is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims from across the world travel to the city every year for pilgrimage, including Hajj and Umrah. Any security incident near the holy city attracts global attention due to its religious significance and the millions of people who visit the region annually.
The reported drone incident comes at a time when regional tensions remain high, with unmanned aerial attacks becoming an increasing security challenge in several conflict zones. Countries have repeatedly raised concerns over the use of drones for attacks against civilian areas, infrastructure and strategic locations.
The latest incident has once again brought focus on the growing role of drone warfare in the Middle East.
