Houthi attack on Madina 'grave provocation'

Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned an attack by the Houthi militia on the Taibah power distribution station in Madina on September 29, saying the "reprehensible attack" on civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque was a "grave provocation," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Friday. In a post on X, MoFA said the attack was a matter of "deep concern and anguish" for millions of Muslims worldwide. "The sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances," the ministry added. Pakistan called for an immediate and unconditional end to reckless actions, saying they also constituted a grave threat to regional peace and security, it added. The statement further added that the Pakistan reaffirmed its "unwavering solidarity" with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and expressed its full support for the kingdom's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. "We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard the Two Holy Mosques, protect its people and ensure the safety of pilgrims," the ministry said. The statement said Pakistan had been and would continue to make all efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthis said on Thursday that the group had attacked a power distribution station in Madina earlier in the week, putting one transformer out of service but without affecting the electricity network. The coalition said an investigation and examination of drone wreckage had confirmed Houthi involvement in planning and carrying out Tuesday's attack. Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki said the attack had targeted the Taibah electricity distribution station at 5:11am local time on Tuesday.