Imams of Two Holy Mosques Denounce Houthi Drone Attack on Makkah

What happened
On September 18, 2026, imams from the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah condemned a Houthi drone attack attempt on Makkah as a grave crime.
The Context
- Ongoing conflict: The incident is part of the protracted Yemen conflict, where Houthi forces have targeted Saudi Arabia multiple times.
- Historical significance: This marks the second documented attempt to target Makkah, following a ballistic missile launch in 2017.
- Regional solidarity: The UAE and other Arab states have expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the sanctity of the holy sites.
The Number
This is the second documented Houthi attempt to target Makkah, highlighting ongoing regional tensions and security concerns.
Takeaway
Expect continued regional condemnations and heightened security measures around religious sites in Saudi Arabia.
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Two Holy Mosques imams condemn Houthi targeting of Makkah as ‘grave crime’
The imams of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah condemned the recent Houthi targeting of Makkah, labeling it a 'grave crime' and a violation of religious values. Sheikh Bandar Baleelah emphasized that the security of holy ...
English-language reporting focused on Saudi Arabia and regional affairs.
"Saudi Gazette provides English-language coverage that often aligns with mainstream Saudi news priorities."
— A47 Editor
Two Holy Mosques imams condemn Houthi targeting of Makkah as ‘grave crime’
The imams of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah condemned the recent Houthi targeting of Makkah, labeling it a 'grave crime' and a violation of religious values. Sheikh Bandar Baleelah emphasized that the security of holy ...
Arabic-language reporting focused on domestic developments in Saudi Arabia.
"Okaz is a mainstream Saudi newspaper that often reflects domestic priorities and official-facing coverage."
— A47 Editor
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Arabic-language coverage of political affairs and current events.
"Okaz political coverage typically follows mainstream Saudi framing on national and regional affairs."
— A47 Editor
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