Saudi Arabia's grand mufti, Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, has issued a statement urging Muslims to engage in jihad against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The statement, released on September 25, 2026, called on Muslims to support the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis. Al-Fawzan described the Houthis as a "deviant group" and an "enemy of Islam". He urged Muslims to be prepared to defend their country and their faith against the Houthi threat.
The statement comes amid escalating violence in Yemen, where the Houthis have been fighting the Saudi-led coalition for several years. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. The Saudi-led coalition has been accused of committing human rights abuses, while the Houthis have been accused of launching missile attacks on Saudi cities.
The Houthis have launched several missile attacks on Saudi cities in recent weeks, including the city of Mecca. The Saudi military has intercepted several missiles, but some have caused damage and injuries. The attacks have prompted a strong response from the Saudi government, which has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens.
In response to the Houthi threat, Turkey and Pakistan have agreed to provide military support to Saudi Arabia. The two countries have signed a joint statement expressing their commitment to defending Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty. The statement was issued after a meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.
The conflict in Yemen has also drawn in other countries, including France. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will provide military support to Saudi Arabia, including troops and defense systems. Macron said that the support is aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia's oil facilities and preventing the Houthis from launching further attacks.
The conflict in Yemen has had a significant impact on the region, with millions of people displaced and facing humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and negotiations between the parties to the conflict. However, a lasting solution to the conflict remains elusive, and the violence continues to escalate.
The statement by the Saudi grand mufti has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing him of inciting violence and sectarianism. However, supporters of the Saudi government argue that the statement is a necessary response to the Houthi threat and a call to defend Islam and Muslims.
Key points
- The Saudi grand mufti has urged Muslims to engage in jihad against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Turkey and Pakistan have agreed to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in response to the Houthi threat.
- The conflict in Yemen has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction, with millions of people displaced and facing humanitarian crisis.
