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Arab League: Targeting Mecca is "extremely dangerous" and an escalation threatens the region's security

Arab League: Targeting Mecca is "extremely dangerous" and an escalation threatens the region's security

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil Fahmy, said on Wednesday that the attempt to target the Holy City of Mecca with a drone is "extremely dangerous".

He warned that the continuation of Houthi attacks exacerbates regional tensions and threatens the security of the region.

Fahmy explained in a statement that "harming the security of the Holy City of Mecca and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites is extremely dangerous, due to the threat such acts pose to the security of Saudi Arabia, the safety of citizens and residents, and visitors to the House of God, as well as the provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world."

He added that this development comes "in the context of a continuous escalation by the Houthi militia", which in recent days has included targeting Saudi territories, facilities, and civilian figures.

He considered that this "exacerbates regional tensions and threatens the security and stability of the region".

Fahmy pointed out that the continuation of these attacks "confirms the need to stop this dangerous course, respect the rules of international law and the United Nations Charter, and adhere to the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 (2015)".

He stressed that "the security and stability of Saudi Arabia are a cornerstone of the security and stability of the region".

Fahmy affirmed "the full solidarity of the Arab League with the Kingdom and its support for all measures it takes to protect its territories, security, and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites".

He also praised the "efficiency and vigilance of the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces in thwarting this attempt".

On Tuesday, Saudi authorities announced the interception and destruction of a drone south of the city of Mecca before it entered the city's restricted airspace.

In recent days, Saudi Arabia has witnessed rocket and drone attacks attributed to the Houthi group, coinciding with increasing military escalation in the region.

On July 20, the Houthi group announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, in response to what it claimed was a Saudi naval and air blockade on the areas it controls in Yemen.

Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a coalition to support the Yemeni government against the Houthis, who have controlled the capital Sanaa and several provinces since September 2014.

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