Pakistan Condemns Houthi Militia Attacks at UN as Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Near Makkah

NEW YORK: Pakistan has expressed full support for Saudi Arabia’s defensive measures against attacks by the Houthi militia, with Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar raising concerns over the deteriorating situation in Yemen.

Addressing a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen, Asim Iftikhar condemned attacks attributed to the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and expressed concern over the broader regional security situation.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security, and warned that instability around the Bab al-Mandab Strait could have consequences for the global economy because of the waterway’s importance to international trade.

Yemen Calls for Action Against Arms Supplies

During the Security Council session, Yemen’s delegate called on the international community to take measures to prevent the supply of weapons to the Houthi militia.

The Yemeni representative described the group’s military activities as a serious threat to regional security and called for greater international efforts to address the situation.

Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Near Makkah

Separately, Saudi air-defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone attributed by the Saudi-led coalition to the Houthi militia before it entered restricted airspace around Makkah.

Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said the drone was intercepted south of the holy city.

In a statement posted on X, al-Malki said the incident represented the second reported Houthi militia attempt to target Makkah, referring to a ballistic-missile incident in July 2017.

He said the coalition would take what it described as necessary measures in response to any further attacks.

Security of Holy Sites Called Red Line

Al-Malki said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors was a red line for Saudi Arabia.

He stressed that the coalition’s Joint Forces Command would take necessary measures against what he described as hostile and terrorist actions by the Houthi militia.

Saudi authorities have increased security measures around Makkah following the reported incident.

The Houthi militia has previously denied targeting Makkah, meaning the intended destination of the intercepted drone remains disputed.

Regional Tensions Continue

The latest developments come amid renewed military tensions involving Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other regional actors.

The reported drone incident and warnings at the UN have also highlighted concerns over the potential impact of continued fighting on maritime security, global trade and regional stability.

Pakistan has called for de-escalation and respect for sovereignty, while the Yemeni and Saudi sides have urged stronger international action over attacks and weapons supplies.