MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia on Wednesday strongly condemned what it de...
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia on Wednesday strongly condemned what it described as an attempt to target the holy city of Mecca with a drone, expressing full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its efforts to protect its territory, population and Islamic holy sites.
In a statement issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the government said it “condemns in the strongest terms” the attempted drone attack on Mecca al-Mukarramah.
The ministry said the drone was intercepted by Saudi air defences before reaching the city. It also condemned recent attacks that have targeted civilian areas in Saudi Arabia.
Somalia expressed its “full solidarity” with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing it as a sisterly country, and reaffirmed Riyadh’s right to protect its territory and people.
The statement also referred to Saudi Arabia’s role in safeguarding Islam’s holy sites, including Mecca, home to the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, the direction towards which Muslims around the world pray.
The attempted attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where several armed conflicts and cross-border attacks have increased concerns over the security of civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia has in recent months faced security threats linked to the wider regional conflict, including attacks involving drones and missiles. Riyadh has repeatedly said it reserves the right to defend its territory against such threats.
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Somalia’s statement did not identify the party responsible for the attempted drone attack on Mecca and did not provide further details about the type of drone or where it was launched.
The Somali government also did not announce any new measures beyond its expression of solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The statement underlined the close relations between Mogadishu and Riyadh, particularly in political, economic and religious affairs. Saudi Arabia has long maintained diplomatic and economic ties with Somalia and is one of the countries with which Mogadishu cooperates on regional and international issues.
The two countries are also members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which has repeatedly stressed the need to protect Islamic holy sites and prevent attacks against civilian populations.
Mecca holds a unique religious significance for Muslims worldwide. Millions of Muslims travel to the city each year to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, making security around the holy sites a major concern for Saudi authorities.
Somalia’s condemnation comes as governments across the region face growing pressure to prevent the spillover of regional conflicts into neighbouring countries and to protect civilians from missile and drone attacks.
The Somali Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and affirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its land, people and Islamic sanctities.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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