MALAYSIA, BANGLADESH CALLS FOR ‘RESTRAINT,’ DIALOGUE AFTER DRONE INTERCEPTED NEAR MECCA

Wed 16 September 2026:

Malaysia’s prime minister on Wednesday called for restraint and dialogue following the interception of a drone near the Saudi city of Mecca, warning against further regional escalation.

“I view with grave concern reports that a drone was intercepted near Makkah al-Mukarramah,” Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement posted on US social media platform X.

“Any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city would be wholly unacceptable,” he said.

Anwar expressed Malaysia’s “deep appreciation” for the swift action taken by Saudi Arabia to protect residents and pilgrims in Mecca.

He said the incident highlighted the need to prevent further escalation in the region and called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian sites and actions that could endanger holy places.

“We urge the relevant parties to exercise restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue without delay,” the premier added.

STATEMENT ON DRONE INCIDENT NEAR MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH

I view with grave concern reports that a drone was intercepted near Makkah al-Mukarramah. Any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city would be wholly unacceptable.

Malaysia expresses its deep… pic.twitter.com/AsQapks556

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) September 16, 2026

PM Anwar Ibrahim also said:

I am following reports regarding a drone that was successfully intercepted near Makkah al-Mukarramah. Any attempt that could threaten the safety and sanctity of this holiest city of the Muslim ummah cannot be accepted in any way whatsoever.

Malaysia expresses its support for the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and appreciates the swift action taken to ensure the safety of residents and pilgrims in Makkah remains protected.

This incident once again reminds us of the need to avoid any actions that could trigger escalating tensions in the region.

Malaysia calls for all attacks on public areas to be stopped immediately, including any actions that could threaten the safety and sanctity of holy sites.

All parties involved must choose the path of peace through dialogue to de-escalate tensions and seek solutions without delay.

Saya mengikuti laporan mengenai sebuah dron yang berjaya dipintas berhampiran Makkah al-Mukarramah. Sebarang percubaan yang boleh mengancam keselamatan dan kesucian kota paling suci umat Islam ini tidak boleh diterima sama sekali.

Malaysia menzahirkan dukungan kepada Kerajaan… pic.twitter.com/7o8kkMuB1h

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) September 16, 2026

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Safety and security of the Holy Sites must be fully respected and protected at all times

Separately, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack and called for respecting and protecting holy sites.

“Bangladesh reaffirms its deep respect for the sanctity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the other Holy Sites in the Kingdom, and expresses solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people in protecting those,” said the ministry.

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

Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi group near Mecca, the Saudi-led coalition said early Wednesday, while the Houthis denied responsibility for the launch.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the drone was intercepted at around 6.50 pm local time (1550GMT) Tuesday before entering restricted airspace, with its wreckage falling south of the city.

-Source: AA

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