Abdulmalik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Houthis, on Thursday 26 Shahrivar, rejected the claim by his forces of targeting Mecca and called it a “major accusation” against the people and his forces.

He added that the people of Yemen consider the issue a “major crime” against themselves and accused Saudi Arabia of trying, by raising it, to encourage other countries to enter the conflict.

Al-Houthi said: “When they use the sanctity of Mecca for deceiving others and slandering our dear people and force, they do not respect the sanctity of Mecca al-Mukarramah.” He urged Muslims to take a stand against Saudi Arabia’s action.

The Houthi leader said that the people of Yemen hold Islamic holy sites in high regard and when insulting the Quran, the Messenger of Islam, or Mecca, they declare their position by holding demonstrations.

Al-Houthi also said Saudi Arabia has not limited itself to external participation in Yemen’s war and is now seeking the direct entry of other countries into the war at the regional and international level.

He added: “I thank God for the great victories He has granted our dear nation in confronting the oppressive attacks of Saudi Arabia, under American supervision.”