The Yemeni Armed Forces have categorically rejected Saudi allegations that Yemen poses a threat to Mecca or other Islamic holy sites, insisting that their military operations are directed exclusively against Saudi military installations and oil infrastructure.

The Yemeni Armed Forces said claims that Yemen had targeted or threatened Mecca were “fabrications and lies” intended to mislead public opinion amid the escalating conflict.

“There is no threat whatsoever from Yemen to the holy sites. Our operations target their oil facilities and military bases. We never target their holy places,” the statement said.

The Yemeni forces further accused the Saudi authorities of exploiting the status of Islam's holiest sites for political purposes, arguing that allegations concerning Mecca do not reflect the stated objectives of Yemen's military operations.

The statement came as Saudi Arabia continued its air campaign against Yemen. The Yemeni Armed Forces said Saudi warplanes had carried out more than 450 airstrikes during the week, using F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets launched from the Khamis Mushait and Taif air bases.

According to the Yemeni account, the strikes targeted Taiz, Lahj, al-Jawf, Hajjah, Ma’rib, Saada and al-Bayda governorates, causing civilian deaths and injuries.

Amid the escalation, the Yemeni Armed Forces said they had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Ma’rib while it was conducting what they described as hostile operations in support of a Saudi military buildup.

The fighter was reportedly brought down using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile.

Yemeni forces also said they engaged two Saudi formations consisting of F-15 and Typhoon aircraft as they attempted to locate the wreckage of the downed fighter. According to the statement, the aircraft were forced to retreat after coming under fire from Yemeni missiles.

The Yemeni Armed Forces vowed to continue defending the country's airspace and sovereignty against further attacks.

“Yemen’s skies will not be violated,” the statement said.

The latest developments come amid a widening confrontation between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, with Yemeni forces repeatedly warning that their operations will continue in response to Saudi military action.

The claims regarding the alleged targeting of Mecca and the reported downing of the Saudi F-15 have not been independently verified, while Saudi authorities have not immediately confirmed the Yemeni account. (ILKHA)