MECCA – Malaysia has called for restraint and an end to attacks on civilian and religious sites after Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a drone near Makkah al-Mukarramah.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was concerned by reports of the incident and stressed the importance of protecting the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city.
“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,” Anwar said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia has said its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone before it entered restricted airspace over Makkah. Saudi authorities have attributed the incident to Yemen’s Houthi movement, while the Houthis have denied targeting the city.
Anwar said Malaysia appreciated the Saudi authorities’ response to the reported incident, particularly measures taken to safeguard people in the city.
“Malaysia expresses its deep appreciation for the swift action taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect residents and pilgrims in Makkah,” he said.
The statement comes as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have increased following a period of reduced cross-border hostilities. The conflict is linked to the wider war in Yemen, where the Houthis have fought forces supported by Saudi Arabia.
Makkah has particular religious significance for Muslims worldwide. The city is home to the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque and receives large numbers of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah. Security around the city is therefore a central concern for Saudi authorities, particularly during major periods of religious travel.
Saudi officials have described the protection of Makkah and its pilgrims as a security priority following the reported drone interception. The Saudi-led coalition’s spokesman, Turki al-Maliki, said the security of Makkah and its pilgrims was a “red line” and warned that necessary measures would be taken.
The Houthis, however, have rejected the Saudi allegation. Hazem al-Assad, a senior figure in the movement, described the claim that the group had targeted Makkah as false in a post on X.
The competing accounts have not been independently reconciled, leaving the circumstances surrounding the reported drone incident disputed.
Anwar’s statement also placed the incident within the broader regional security situation. Malaysia called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian locations and actions that could put holy sites at risk.
“This incident underscores the urgent need to prevent further escalation in the region,” Anwar said. “Malaysia calls for an immediate end to attacks on civilian sites and to any action that could endanger holy sites.”
He urged the parties involved to avoid further escalation and seek a political solution.
“We urge the relevant parties to exercise restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue without delay,” Anwar said.
The Malaysian position reflects the government’s stated emphasis on protecting civilian areas and religious sites while calling for diplomatic efforts to address regional conflicts.
The reported incident comes amid wider instability across the Middle East, with tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Yemen and other regional actors contributing to concerns over the security of civilian infrastructure and important maritime routes.
For Malaysia, the developments also carry significance because of the country’s large Muslim population and its participation in international efforts concerning the protection of Islamic holy sites.
The Saudi report and the Houthi denial remain the central points of dispute surrounding the incident. Malaysia’s response has focused on the protection of Makkah, the safety of residents and pilgrims, and the need for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
