Houthi Attacks on Jazan Draw International, Arab Condemnation

Drone used by Houthis in Yemen against Saudi-led coalition forces. (File photo: AFP)
Drone used by Houthis in Yemen against Saudi-led coalition forces. (File photo: AFP)
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Houthi Attacks on Jazan Draw International, Arab Condemnation

Drone used by Houthis in Yemen against Saudi-led coalition forces. (File photo: AFP)
Drone used by Houthis in Yemen against Saudi-led coalition forces. (File photo: AFP)

The Iranian-backed Houthi militias’ attack on civilians in Saudi Arabia's Jazan was strongly condemned by the international community and several Arab and Islamic countries.

The Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces managed to intercept and destroy drones and ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist militias.

Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan strongly condemned the Houthi systematic terrorist Houthi attacks. They affirmed their solidarity and support to Saudi Arabia in all the measures it takes to preserve its security and stability.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its strong condemnation of the Houthi terrorist militia targeting civilians and civilian objects in Jazan.

Secretary-General of the OIC Yousef al-Othaimeen asserted that attempts by the Houthi militias and those who finance them and provide them with arms to target civilian objects are acts of hostile escalation that are considered war crimes.

The Arab Parliament also issued a statement condemning the attacks, indicating that the ongoing escalation and targeting of civilians in Saudi Arabia reflect the Houthis' challenge of the international law and rejection for all the political efforts to end the crisis in Yemen.



The Parliament reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia on the measures taken to protect the safety and security of its lands, adding that the security of the Kingdom is fundamental for the Arab national security.

For its part, the Arab Interior Ministers Council condemned these terrorist acts and systematic hostile practices carried out by the Houthi militia, which represent war crimes that must be stopped and held accountable.



It renewed its full support and solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to deter these attacks, defend its security and protect its territories.



The Council commended the roles of the Royal Saudi Air Defense and the Coalition forces in confronting these threats and all attempts aimed at undermining the security and stability of the Kingdom and the safety of its citizens and residents.



Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Hajj Stream into Arafat

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
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Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Hajj Stream into Arafat

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

Around two million pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, a government spokesperson said Wednesday.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation involving rituals and acts of worship that every Muslim must fulfil if they have the money and are physically able to do it.

Hajj Ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi provided an approximate number for foreigners at this year’s pilgrimage. He did not say how many domestic pilgrims were taking part. Last year, there were 1,611,310 pilgrims from outside the country.

On Wednesday, pilgrims streamed into Arafat, some making the journey on foot, carrying their luggage through temperatures nudging 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Others carried the elderly.

People paused to sit on the ground to rest or eat before heading to their camps.

Mount Arafat, a rocky hill southeast of Makkah, holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon on his final Hajj.

According to traditional sayings of the prophet, the Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins.

Pilgrims remain in Arafat, in prayer and reflection, from after midnight until after sunset. After sunset Thursday, pilgrims will go to the desert plain of Muzdalifah to collect pebbles, which they will use in a ritual.

Earlier in the week, Health Minister Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel told The Associated Press that 10,000 trees have been planted to provide more shade, there is increased hospital bed capacity, and the number of paramedics has tripled.