Saudi Arabia has declared any violation of the security or sanctity of Mecca and Medina—the two holiest cities in Islam—a ‘red line’ that must not be crossed. This warning was issued by the head of religious affairs for the Two Holy Mosques, who condemned the persistent missile and drone attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen, as reported by Gulf News.
Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais, President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, stated that the security and sanctity of Mecca and Medina constitute a ‘red line’ that cannot be breached under any circumstances.
He described these Houthi attacks as a manifestation of their ‘criminal agenda’ and their deep-seated hostility toward Muslims and their sacred sites.
According to Al-Sudais, the obligation to protect these holy sites is recognized under both Islamic law and international humanitarian principles; therefore, any attack on these locations represents a clear violation of these established norms.
He issued this condemnation following a fresh wave of Houthi attacks across various regions of Saudi Arabia.
Missiles Fired Toward Mecca and Medina Intercepted
Saudi authorities reported that two ballistic missiles, aimed toward the regions of Mecca and Medina, were intercepted and destroyed in the air on Saturday. Debris from the missiles fell in several locations in the western region, prompting Civil Defense teams to launch recovery and security operations.
Debris was reported in Wadi al-Mughammas (Mecca), Al-Nuzha (Jeddah), Wadi Jalil (Taif), and Masturah (Rabigh).
Commending Saudi Arabia’s defense systems, Al-Sudais asserted that these attacks would not undermine the nation’s stability. Instead, he noted, they would only strengthen the resolve to ensure the protection of the holy sites, as well as the safety of the millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The Houthis, however, have denied allegations that they targeted Mecca and Medina. They have dismissed Saudi Arabia’s allegations as a “major lie.”
Explosions in Riyadh
Meanwhile, amidst the declaration of a “red line,” reports have emerged of explosions in Riyadh following fresh missile and drone attacks.
According to an AFP report, multiple explosions were heard in the capital, Riyadh, early Sunday morning as Saudi air defense systems intercepted a new wave of missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis.
An AFP journalist reported hearing three explosions in the capital. During this time, emergency alerts were sent to the mobile phones of residents, warning them of an “enemy aerial attack” and urging everyone to seek safe shelter.
The Saudi-led coalition stated that two armed drones targeting the Riyadh region—one shortly after 1:00 AM and another around 5:00 AM—were intercepted and destroyed.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki stated that a ballistic missile aimed at the capital was also intercepted.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the coalition announced, “Air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh.”
Additionally, on Sunday morning, Saudi forces intercepted a cruise missile aimed at the southern city of Khamis Mushait. Air raid alerts were also issued for the Abha and Namas governorates.
A resident of Khamis Mushait told AFP, “The shelling has been very intense since this morning. May God keep us safe. Everything is shaking from the explosions.”
