Karzai condemns attempt to target Mecca — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned the attempt to target Mecca and stressed the need to safeguard the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain. In a post on X today, Karzai expressed sympathy with Saudi Arabia and said the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain must be respected under all circumstances. He expressed hope that the wisdom and foresight of the countries and parties involved would prevent an escalation of violence and conflicts and help create conditions for lasting peace and stability in the region. This comes as the Saudi-led military coalition said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it entered the city’s restricted airspace. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said this was the second time the Houthis had attempted to target Mecca, adding that the security of the Haramain Sharifain and pilgrims was a “red line” for Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca or other holy sites.