Several countries have condemned the reported drone incident near Mecca after Saudi Arabia said its air force intercepted a drone heading toward the holy city. Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh expressed support for Saudi Arabia. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the incident and called it “heinous”. The countries urged all sides to show restraint. They also warned against actions that could further increase tensions in West Asia. Saudi Arabia said its air force intercepted the drone at around 6:50 PM on Tuesday. The drone was stopped before it entered the restricted airspace around Mecca. Riyadh accused Yemen-based Houthi rebels of being behind the attempted attack. The Houthis rejected the accusation. They described Saudi Arabia's claim as a “worn-out lie” and denied targeting Mecca.

Malaysia Calls for Protection of Holy Sites

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the reported drone interception near Mecca, also known as Makkah, was a matter of “grave concern”. Anwar said any attempt to threaten the safety or sanctity of the holy city would be “wholly unacceptable”. He also praised Saudi authorities for quickly responding to the incident and protecting residents and pilgrims in Mecca. Malaysia called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian locations. It also urged all parties to avoid actions that could put religious sites at risk. Anwar called for restraint and encouraged the parties involved to resolve their differences through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.

STATEMENT ON DRONE INCIDENT NEAR MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH

I view with grave concern reports that a drone was intercepted near Makkah al-Mukarramah. Any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam's holiest city would be wholly unacceptable.

Malaysia expresses its deep… pic.twitter.com/AsQapks556

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) September 16, 2026

Pakistan Expresses Support for Saudi Arabia

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned what he described as an attempted attack on the holy city of Mecca. Sharif said the reported incident had caused deep concern in Pakistan. He praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for intercepting the drone before it could enter the restricted airspace. The Pakistani prime minister also urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint. He warned against further escalation at a time when the region has already suffered heavily because of ongoing conflicts. “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace,” Sharif said. Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Islamabad also reiterated its commitment to the security and sanctity of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. The development comes days after the Houthis targeted Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure. At that time, Pakistan faced questions about its commitment under the Mecca Pact. Pakistan's Asif had said Islamabad would not directly intervene militarily under the pact. Instead, Pakistan called for diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Bangladesh and OIC Condemn Incident

Bangladesh also strongly condemned the reported drone incident. Dhaka reaffirmed its respect for the sanctity of Mecca and other Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia. The Bangladeshi government expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. It said the holy sites must remain safe and protected at all times.

Bangladesh strongly condemns the reported drone attack targeting the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh reaffirms its deep respect for the sanctity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the other Holy Sites in the Kingdom, and expresses solidarity with the… pic.twitter.com/NHYzzcSlLo

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@BDMOFA) September 16, 2026

The 57-member OIC also expressed support for Saudi Arabia. The organisation backed the kingdom's efforts to protect its sovereignty and safeguard the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.

The OIC General Secretariat Condemns the Houthi Attacks on Makkah and the Madinah Region#OIC #Makkah #Madinah #SaudiArabia #Houthi pic.twitter.com/nQaz3CF2ol

— OIC (@OIC_OCI) September 15, 2026

The reported incident took place amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The group has increased its attacks on the kingdom in recent weeks. The Houthis have also targeted shipping near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and remains an important route for international shipping.