Widespread condemnation for Houthi attempt to strike Makkah

There has been widespread condemnation of the attempt by Houthi militias to strike the Holy City of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, Al-Resalah has reported. The Saudi government revealed on Thursday that its forces had intercepted a “ballistic missile” 65 kilometres from the city. It was fired by the Houthis, it claimed.

“The Houthis and Saleh’s militiamen did not care about the holy sites and targeted the city from where Islam sprang and to which all Muslims in the world turn their faces during their prayers,” commented Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.

Yemeni Foreign Minister in exile, Abdel-Malik Al-Mikhlafi, accused the Houthis and forces loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh of “trying to ignite a regional war” by targeting “honourable Makkah.”

According to the Committee of Supreme Scholars in Saudi Arabia, “Targeting [Makkah and Madinah] is a massive crime.” It is, the Ulema added, evidence of Iran’s intention behind planting the Houthis in Yemen.

The attempted strike against Makkah was also condemned by the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. “This oppressive attack which did not respect the holiest site for one and half a billion Muslim incites the feelings of all Muslims and shows disrespect to the Islamic sites,” said Abdel-Latif Al-Zayyani. His views were echoed by Qatar, Bahrain and Sudan, who all said that the “flagrant violation” of Islamic norms was “incitement” for the feelings of Muslims all over the world.

Sudan’s foreign minister said that his country stands with Saudi Arabia, reported Anadolu.