Bangladesh on Wednesday strongly condemned a reported Houthi drone attack targeting the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh reaffirmed its deep respect for the sanctity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and other Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people in protecting them.

“Bangladesh underscores that the safety and security of the Holy Sites must be fully respected and protected at all times,” the statement said.

The condemnation came after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening, before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace.

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said the incident prompted a security alert in Makkah, Taif and Jeddah.

The Houthis, however, denied targeting Makkah or any other Islamic holy site, describing the Saudi claims as misinformation.

The security alert in Makkah was lifted within minutes, according to reports.