The Saudi-led coalition accused Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis of carrying out a drone strike on civilian power infrastructure supplying the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, adding a new dimension to renewed Saudi–Houthi hostilities. The Houthis have denied the accusations.
The coalition said a drone struck the Taibah electricity distribution station at 5:11 a.m. on September 29, taking one transformer out of service without disrupting the wider electricity network. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki said an investigation and drone wreckage established Houthi responsibility. Fighting has simultaneously intensified inside Yemen, with government forces reporting strikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa, Saada, and Taiz.
“This reprehensible attack against civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque is a grave provocation and a matter of deep concern and anguish for millions of Muslims worldwide,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said, calling for an immediate end to such attacks and reaffirming its support for Saudi sovereignty and security.
The alleged strike has generated a broader regional response, largely because Medina is one of Islam’s holiest cities. Turkey and Qatar condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Riyadh, while the Arab League and Al-Azhar warned that targeting infrastructure linked to Medina risked provoking Muslims worldwide. Pakistan’s response carries additional strategic significance because Islamabad, Ankara, and Riyadh are parties to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. The three governments said last week that an attack against one member would be considered an attack against all and discussed ways their armed forces could assist Saudi Arabia following earlier Houthi attacks.
The Medina incident therefore tests whether expanding regional solidarity with Riyadh remains primarily diplomatic or begins translating into deeper security cooperation. Saudi–Houthi hostilities have already intensified beyond Yemen, while renewed fighting inside the country is increasing pressure on an already severe humanitarian crisis. Pakistan’s condemnation, alongside Turkey’s support, also places two of Riyadh’s new defense partners publicly behind Saudi Arabia as the confrontation develops. How the three governments operationalize the Mecca Pact—and whether further attacks threaten Saudi holy sites or civilian infrastructure—could shape the next phase of the escalation. (AFP+EIR)
