KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia condemned the missile attack, aimed at the holy city of Mecca, fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
“Malaysia condemns this abhorrent act which could threaten the safety of pilgrims and hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
“The country stands firm in its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in preserving the security and sanctity of the two holy cities, Makkah and Madinah,” it said.
The statement also expressed hopes that the ongoing conflict in Yemen will be resolved peacefully.
Saudi Defence forces intercepted a ballistic missile 69km from Al-Wasliya area in Taif province, Makkah, late Thursday.
The Burkan-1 ballistic missile, reportedly launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen, did not claim any lives.
In Makkah there are currently millions of Muslims from all over the world including Malaysia performing their haj pilgrimage. It is said that there will be 30,200 pilgrims from the country to Makkah during this haj season.