DOMINANT ANGLE
Riyadhh is highlighting the Arab and Islamic front of condemnations: the Saudi press is presenting the attack on the Medina station as an attack on holy sites that unites the Kingdom's allies.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
According to the coalition, the drone attack on Taibah station in Medina occurred at 5:11 on Tuesday, September 29, and put a transformer out of service without affecting the network.
- 02
The OIC described the attack as a "dangerous escalation" and a "flagrant violation of the sanctity of holy sites".
- 03
Kuwait, Qatar, Arab League, OIC, Egypt, Muslim World League, and GCC condemned the attack, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
ANALYSIS
Riyadh, October 2, 2026. According to the coalition for the restoration of legitimacy in Yemen, a Houthi drone targeted the Taibah power distribution station in Medina, a civilian facility that supplies the Prophet's Mosque. Its spokesman, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, announced on Thursday, October 1, according to Saudi Gazette, that the attack occurred at 5:11 am on Tuesday, September 29.
The spokesman claims that the investigation, including the examination of the drone's debris, "confirms" the involvement of the Houthi militia in the planning and execution of the strike. It put a transformer out of service without affecting the power grid. He sees this as a new attempt to target the Two Holy Mosques and "provoke Muslims around the world", and promises deterrent measures to protect Mecca, Medina, and pilgrims.
The Saudi press is devoting most of its coverage to reactions. Saudi Gazette reports that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation spoke of a "dangerous escalation" and a "flagrant violation of the sanctity of holy sites". The United Arab Emirates denounced a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty" of the Kingdom. Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain also condemned the attack.
Asharq Al-Awsat lists on Friday a second wave of condemnations: Kuwait, Qatar, Arab League, OIC, Egypt, Muslim World League, President of the Arab Parliament, Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as the presidency of the religious affairs of the two holy mosques. These voices evoke a violation of international law and Saudi sovereignty, and reaffirm their "total solidarity" with the Kingdom.
On the military front, the newspaper reports that the coalition intercepted and destroyed on Friday a ballistic missile launched by the "Houthi terrorist militia" towards Khamis Mushait. The articles in the corpus do not detail the strikes on Sanaa or the Houthi denial, and remain focused on the protection of holy sites and the sovereignty of the Kingdom.
