Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said the drone attempt targeting Mecca was extremely dangerous, warning that continued attacks would increase regional tensions and the risk of instability.
In a statement on Wednesday, Fahmy said violations targeting Mecca’s security and Islamic holy sites threatened the safety of Saudi Arabia, its citizens, people living in the country and visitors to the holy site. He added that such attempts provoked the feelings of Muslims around the world.
Fahmy said the incident occurred as Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia’s territory, facilities and civilian targets had continued in recent days. He said the attacks were increasing regional tensions and security risks.
Fahmy called for the dangerous escalation to be halted and for international law and the United Nations Charter to be respected. He urged compliance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, particularly Resolution 2216 of 2015.
The Arab League secretary-general stressed that Saudi Arabia’s security and stability were among the fundamental elements of regional security. He said the Arab League stood in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported measures the country might take to protect its territory, security and Islamic holy sites.
Fahmy also praised the effectiveness and vigilance of the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces in preventing the attempt.
Saudi authorities announced that a drone detected south of Mecca on Tuesday had been intercepted and destroyed before entering the restricted airspace designated for the city.
Military tensions in the region have also risen amid missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis in Saudi Arabia in recent days. The Houthis announced on July 20 that they had imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, citing what they described as a Saudi naval and air blockade of areas under their control in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting the Yemeni government since March 2015. The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces since September 2014.
