Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister, on Friday strongly condemned the Houthis’ recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, including an attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca, and said that the move has enraged Muslims around the world. He called any threat against Islam’s most sacred places a “red line that must never be crossed,” and stressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Sharif, also referring to the new joint defense agreement of Mecca between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, said that this agreement is “not against any country,” but rather a commitment to defend, ensure regional stability and peace.