India expresses serious concern over Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and the security of Mecca
New Delhi, September 16: India has expressed serious concern following the reported drone incident near Mecca. India has supported Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and condemned any activity that poses a threat to civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while responding to media queries on Wednesday, said that India was deeply concerned about the drone incident near Mecca. He stated that India condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory as well as activities that threaten civilians and critical infrastructure.
Jaiswal also highlighted the special religious significance of Mecca. India noted that Mecca is an extremely important religious site for Muslims across the world, making any security incident in the area particularly sensitive. India expressed hope that peace and stability would be restored in the region at the earliest.
Saudi air defence system intercepts drone
According to Saudi Arabia, a Houthi drone was detected south of Mecca on Tuesday. The Saudi air defence system intercepted and destroyed the drone before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city. Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, provided the information.
Al-Malki described the security of the holy sites and pilgrims as an extremely sensitive issue and referred to it as a “red line.” He also warned that necessary preventive measures would be taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Houthis deny targeting Mecca
Meanwhile, the Houthi organization has denied the allegation that Mecca was targeted. Senior Houthi political figure Hezam Al-Asad said that claims of targeting Mecca were false. As a result, differences remain between the claims of the two sides regarding the drone’s intended target and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Concerns grow over security of Mecca
Mecca is one of the holiest cities in Islam and is home to the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque, or Masjid al-Haram. Millions of Muslim pilgrims from around the world visit the city every year for Hajj and Umrah. Consequently, any military or security-related activity in the vicinity of Mecca is considered highly sensitive.
Against this backdrop, concerns over the security situation in West Asia have increased amid tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Reports have also emerged in recent times of drone and missile attacks targeting various parts of Saudi Arabia.
Following the incident near Mecca, India expressed hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region and underlined the importance of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and the security of the holy sites.
(SDNA)