The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations has strongly condemned recent drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and an alleged attempt to target Mecca, describing the incidents as a dangerous threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and the safety of civilians and pilgrims.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the department said Saudi Arabia’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental to the security and stability of the wider region.

The KRG rejected and condemned any aggression against Saudi territory or any actions that put civilians at risk.

The department also described any attempt to target Mecca as “extremely dangerous,” citing the city’s religious and spiritual significance to Muslims around the world. It warned that such actions could threaten the sanctity of holy sites and the safety of pilgrims and called for clear and unequivocal condemnation.

The KRG expressed its full support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, security and the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors. It also reaffirmed its support for regional efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and stability.

The statement stressed that political and military disputes must not be used as a pretext for targeting civilians, civilian institutions or sites of religious significance. Respect for national sovereignty, the sanctity of religious sites and the protection of civilians, it said, must remain fundamental principles.

The incident occurred amid an escalation in fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, who have intensified attacks on Saudi targets in recent days.

Saudi authorities said their air defenses intercepted a drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered the city’s restricted airspace. The Houthis, however, denied targeting the holy city.

Saudi officials said the incident marked the second alleged Houthi attempt to target Mecca, following a ballistic missile launch in 2017.