Sheikh Isa Qassim Rejects Saudi Claim That Yemen Threatened Mecca

Sheikh Isa Qassim, the leader of Bahrain’s Shiite community, has rejected Saudi Arabia’s claim that Houthi forces from Yemen repelled an attack on the precincts of Mecca, describing it as inconsistent with the religious beliefs and commitment of the people and rulers of Yemen.

In a message posted on social media, he said the people and rulers of Yemen are known for their piety, adherence to religious principles, fear of God and hope for divine approval. According to him, these qualities have been tested repeatedly in their words and actions.

Sheikh Isa Qassim added that it seems highly unlikely Yemenis would even make the slightest violation against the holy city of Mecca and the sacred sanctuary, because such an act would contradict the reverence they hold for this holy place.

Earlier, Mahdi al-Mashat, chairman of Yemen’s Supreme Political Council, also described Saudi Arabia’s claim that Mecca had been targeted by Yemen as baseless. He said the claim was an attempt to mobilise public opinion.

Mecca is considered one of the holiest religious sites for Muslims, and any claim that the city is under threat draws wide attention across public opinion in the Muslim world.