Pakistan condemns firing of ballistic missiles towards Makkah

An Iranian made drone used by Houthis in Yemen. (AFP/File photo)

Debris of a drone used in a previous attack by Houthi militants. (AFP/File)

• Commends Saudi defense forces for intercepting attack
• Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity with KSA and reiterates its support against any threat to its security

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday condemned the firing of ballistic missiles by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis towards Makkah province.
Saudi Arabia said on Monday that it had intercepted two missiles in Makka province fired by Houthis.
A foreign office statement on Tuesday commended “vigilant Saudi defence forces for intercepting the missiles.”
“Pakistan reaffirms its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterates its support against any threat to the security of the Kingdom,” the statement said.
A Saudi coalition spokesman said, “Royal Saudi Defence Forces spotted aerial targets flying through restricted areas in the provinces of Jeddah and Taif and dealt with them as required by the situation,” according to Saudi’s state news agency SPA.
In a tweet, Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Washington said the two missiles had been intercepted in Mecca province, which includes Jeddah and Taif.
Al Arabiya TV, citing eyewitnesses, reported earlier on Monday that air defense forces had intercepted two ballistic missiles above the two western cities of Jeddah and Taif and said the first one had been directed toward Mecca, without providing evidence.