Dhaka condemns attack targeting Makkah
Bangladesh has strongly condemned a reported drone attack targeting the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holy sites must be fully respected and protected.
The Foreign Ministry in a statement issued on Wednesday said it deeply respected the sanctity of Makkah and the other Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people in protecting them.
“Bangladesh strongly condemns the reported drone attack targeting the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia,” the ministry said.
The statement came after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening before it could enter the restricted airspace over the holy city.
Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki described the security of Makkah and the Two Holy Mosques as a “red line” and warned of deterrent measures.
The Houthis have denied targeting Makkah or other Islamic holy sites, according to reports.
The incident followed broader security alerts issued by Saudi authorities on Tuesday covering Makkah, Jeddah and Taif amid a series of attacks and heightened regional tensions.
The alerts were subsequently lifted, with no confirmed impact reported in Makkah.
Saudi Arabia has faced a series of drone attacks in recent days. On 11 September, Riyadh said drones launched from Iraq had struck its East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, causing injuries and damage.
Saudi Arabia said at the time that it was refraining from retaliation following a request from the Iraqi prime minister, while reserving the right to take measures to protect its sovereignty, security and vital infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, the reported incident near Makkah has heightened concern because the city is home to the Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and receives millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.
Bangladesh underscored that the safety and security of the Holy Sites must be fully respected and protected at all times.
