Jeddah: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the terrorist plot that targeted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah and Makkah on Friday, Ramadan 28.
OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen lauded the alertness of the Saudi security men who foiled and countered these terrorist operations. He stated that those who planned and supported the operations were implementing a sinister plan that sought to undermine security and stability in the Kingdom. Al-Othaimeen added that no true Muslim would violate the sacredness of the Holy Mosque, particularly at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan.
Al-Othaimeen expressed his confidence in the ability of the relevant Saudi authorities to apprehend the culprits, bring them to justice and expose their affiliations and sponsors. The secretary general reiterated the full solidarity of the OIC with the leadership, government and people of Saudi Arabia in all steps and measures taken to combat terrorism targeting its security and stability. He renewed the constant position of the OIC against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.
Global condemnations have poured in following the foiled attack, Al Arabiya News Channel reported. The Muslim World League Secretary General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa condemned the attempted attack and said that terrorism presented a horrific face to those who are deluded in attributing their hostile acts to Islam.
The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said the attempted attack would only increase “our will” to encounter those who support terrorism. “This horrible crime shows how far terrorism has reached in scope and brutality. No sane person can give any justification or explanation for this,” he said. The UAE minister hailed the Saudi security apparatus in foiling the attack.
UAE’s Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammed Momani condemned the failed attack and expressed Jordan’s support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its fight against terrorism. Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, reiterated Jordan’s call for united international efforts to fight terrorists and terror organizations.
Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri said that “liberating minds from extremist ideology” is far more important than just freeing territories seized by ISIS. Jabouri made his comments after Saudi forces foiled one planned terrorist attack, targeting the area surrounding Mecca’s Grand Mosque and worshipers. The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds Islam’s holiest place, the Kaaba, in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. “We need a unified stance” to further support “moderate Islam” to tackle this ideology, Jabouri said, urging that Muslim youth needs to be a “invested” in. He said this extremist ideology needs to be “fully eliminated” since “it can find another place” after areas are “liberated.”
Egypt’s Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Minister Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa condemned the attack and said his country “stands with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their efforts against terrorism.” Egypt’s government and Grand Mufti also condemned the attack. Bahrain in a statement “expressed its sincere appreciation of the great role of Saudi Arabia under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in providing all the comforts and tranquility for worshippers, visitors and pilgrims.”
The statement added that Bahrain “lauded the outstanding efforts of the security men in thwarting the cowardly terror plot and affirmed that it stands fully with Saudi Arabia in its leadership role to consolidate and enhance security and peace in the region and across the world.” Bahrain said that it also fully supports all the actions and measures by Saudi Arabia to eliminate terrorist organizations.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the terrorist plot and expressed the Palestinian people’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of terrorism and extremism. An official source at the Kuwaiti foreign ministry expressed strong condemnation of the “despicable terrorist plot.” The source described the plot as a blatant aggression against Muslim sanctities. The Pakistan Ulema (scholars) Council has also expressed its heavy condemnation of the terrorist plot targeting Islam’s holiest shrine.
HA/IINA
