Uzbekistan condemns attempted drone attack targeting Mecca

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry has condemned an attempted drone attack targeting the direction of the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The ministry said it stood in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and stressed that actions threatening holy sites, civilians and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable.

It called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, comply with international law, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The ministry also backed efforts to reduce tensions, prevent the further spread of the conflict, and ensure peace and stability in the region.

On September 16, Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems shot down a Houthi drone south of Mecca, according to coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki.

Al-Maliki said the security of Islam’s two holy sites and pilgrims was a “red line” and warned that the coalition would take deterrent measures against the Houthis.

The incident was described as the Houthis’ second reported attempt to target Mecca. Houthi representative Hazem al-Assad rejected the claim, saying the allegation was a “tired lie”.

By Aghakazim Guliyev