Mal©: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday condemned an attempted drone attack near the Saudi city of Mecca, stating that any act threatening the safety and sanctity of Islam's holiest city is unacceptable.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Muizzu took to the US social media platform X to express his disapproval of the attack, emphasizing its offensive nature to the entire Muslim community. He voiced the Maldives' unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and praised the Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces for their prompt action in protecting Mecca, its pilgrims, and residents.

President Muizzu called for an immediate halt to such attacks and urged all parties involved to avoid further escalation, advocating for peace and dialogue. The Saudi-led coalition reported that Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi group near Mecca, although the Houthis denied launching the drone.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki confirmed that the drone was intercepted on Tuesday around 6.50 pm local time (1550GMT) before entering restricted airspace, with its wreckage falling south of the city.