Maldives Cites Houthi Attacks on Mecca and Medina Despite Denial
18 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:48Despite the Houthi movement's denial of Saudi allegations regarding planned attacks on Mecca and Medina, the Maldives' Friday sermon has strongly condemned such actions. While the Houthis maintain that their targets are limited to Saudi military installations and oil refineries located far from the holy sites, the Maldivian religious discourse has taken a firm stance against any potential threats to these sacred locations.
Houthi fighters are seen marching in formation through the streets of Sana'a, Yemen. | AP
Despite denials from the Houthi movement regarding any attempts to attack Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, the Maldivian government has concluded that such attacks took place and has included the matter in today's Friday sermon.
Today’s nationwide Friday sermon focused on the theme of "Honesty in Financial Transactions."
In conclusion, the sermon issued a stern condemnation of the Houthi rebels' aggressive and inhumane attacks and threats, which violate the sanctity of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—cities held sacred by Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad (PBUH). It emphasized that these two cities are holy sites whose sanctity has been ordained by Allah until the Day of Judgment.
While this was highlighted in the sermon, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also previously condemned the attempted drone attack by Houthi rebels targeting Mecca on September 16, 2026.
However, the Houthis have denied the allegations made by Saudi Arabia regarding the attempted attacks on Mecca and Medina.
Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthis—who adhere to the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam and recognize Mecca as a holy city—stated on Wednesday that their targets are Saudi oil refineries and military installations located far from the sacred sites.
Saree dismissed the Saudi government's claims of an attempted attack on Mecca as falsehoods, asserting that no one would be misled by such fabrications. He further stated that there is no threat to the holy sites.
Saudi authorities have announced that a drone targeting Mecca was intercepted and shot down after being detected before entering the city's airspace. However, the Saudi government has not disclosed specific details regarding how close the drone came to the holy city.
