Somalia and Lebanon denounce attempted Houthi drone strike on Mecca
Somalia's foreign ministry and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned a drone attack aimed at Mecca, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
On Wednesday, Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning an attempted drone attack on Mecca and recent assaults on civilian zones within Saudi Arabia, affirming unwavering solidarity with the kingdom. In a separate address while in France, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also denounced the strike, highlighting that it endangered the sacred sites revered by Muslims worldwide. Aoun lauded the vigilance of Saudi armed forces for intercepting the drone and preventing harm to pilgrims and residents near the Two Holy Mosques.
Saudi officials confirmed that a Houthi-launched drone was shot down before reaching its target. The Houthi movement, however, rejected the allegation, describing it as a "nauseating lie" and denying any intention to strike the holy city.
Why it matters
The condemnations underscore regional unity against attacks on Saudi holy sites and signal heightened tensions with the Houthi movement.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey launch Mecca Defence Alliance, secretariat set in Riyadh
- Sep 3 Greece delivered a diplomatic note to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, instructed by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, contesting Turkish objections to Greek spatial planning frameworks and the creation of two national maritime parks. Athens maintains that international treaties define Aegean sovereignty and that Turkey’s own maritime park declarations overstep its jurisdiction. Both sides exchanged notes reiterating their positions, while Greece pledged to raise any unilateral Turkish actions with European partners. Despite tensions, intelligence chiefs met to keep security cooperation alive, and leaders plan to attend the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 6 Turkey reiterated its long‑standing claims over continental shelves.
- Sep 13 Pakistan reiterated that no immediate military response under the Makkah pact is being discussed.
- Sep 13 The Greek prime minister publicly called for dialogue with Turkey while maintaining a formal protest over Turkey’s maritime park claims.
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