Grand Mosque Imam Blames Houthis for Attacks on Islam's Holiest Cities
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais condemned recent Houthi strikes on Mecca and Medina, calling them criminal violations of Islamic law.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, who leads the Grand Mosque in Mecca and also heads religious affairs at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, sharply criticized the Houthi group for launching attacks on the two holiest Islamic cities on Saturday, October 24. He described the strikes as a blatant breach of Islamic law, which forbids aggression against sacred places, and as evidence of a malicious, criminal intent toward Muslims.
Al-Sudais emphasized that targeting holy sites, civilians, and infrastructure violates both Sharia and international standards. He asserted that the attacks will not weaken Saudi Arabia’s security, but will instead reinforce the kingdom’s determination to safeguard the mosques. The imam also praised Saudi leadership for its efforts to keep the holy sites secure, calling the protection of the Two Holy Mosques a non-negotiable “red line.”
Why it matters
The condemnation highlights rising sectarian tensions and the security challenges facing Islam's most sacred sites.
How this story developed
- Oct 7 Halo Trust says around 30 aid workers stranded in besieged Taiz
- Oct 19 The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans of ongoing missile and drone attacks on major airports and imposed travel restrictions on U.S. government staff.
- Oct 19 Saudi Arabia may postpone the Future Investment Initiative conference after Wall Street executives voiced safety concerns, with a decision expected by Monday.
- Oct 20 The kingdom announced it has scrapped plans to host the Future Investment Initiative on Oct. 26.
- Oct 20 Britain’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced that RAF Typhoons will conduct defensive counter-air missions over Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. The operation is purely protective and will not involve offensive strikes on Houthi positions. The deployment follows a series of deadly Houthi missile hits on Saudi airports and oil facilities, which have also disrupted Red Sea shipping. An A400 transport plane is also slated to deliver supplies as part of the plan approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- Oct 20 Britain announced it will defend Saudi Arabia while explicitly ruling out offensive strikes.
- Oct 21 The Houthi movement said it did not fire drones at Medina or carry out any military action against Saudi Arabia, countering coalition reports.
- Oct 21 An assault on Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia resulted in one fatality and at least eight injuries, authorities said.
- Oct 21 US removed non‑essential embassy personnel from Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 22 Relatives of diplomatic staff in other Gulf countries may also be asked to leave.
- Oct 22 Saudi aviation authorities have opened an investigation into the airport damage.
- Oct 23 The WHO warned that health facilities in Taiz are facing acute shortages of essential resources.
- Oct 24 Houthis launched a missile and drone strike on a Saudi‑led coalition base at Al Mukalla airport.
- Oct 25 Saudi forces reported shooting down a drone over the Riyadh area and intercepting ballistic missiles, while Yemen’s Saudi‑backed government said three missiles hit Aden coast‑guard sites.
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