Jakarta, ThedailyID — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, has urged the kingdom’s soldiers to remain prepared to sacrifice their lives while defending the country against the Houthis.
The message appeared in a statement carried by Saudi state media on Thursday, September 24. It specifically addressed Saudi troops serving along the kingdom’s borders.
Al-Fawzan called on the soldiers to protect Saudi territory and carry out their duties.
“Protecting this great nation and punishing anyone who seeks to touch even a span of its territory is among the greatest duties and noblest acts of service, for which life and soul may be sacrificed in seeking God’s pleasure,” the statement said, as reported on Friday, September 25.
The Grand Mufti also cited Quranic verses and sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad concerning sacrifice and the defense of the faith.
He further described supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, as an urgent duty. The government has been fighting the Houthi movement, which controls large parts of northern Yemen.
The statement came amid renewed violence between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The group has launched a series of missile and drone attacks toward Saudi territory in recent weeks. Saudi forces have responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The escalation has raised questions over whether Saudi Arabia could expand military operations alongside forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The Houthis have also made gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The renewed fighting has displaced more than 112,000 people inside Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration, while thousands have fled across the sea to Djibouti.
The conflict is part of Yemen’s long-running civil war. Fighting had largely eased following a 2022 truce, but violence has increased again amid wider regional tensions involving Iran and other countries.
Saudi Arabia has also reported recent Houthi attacks near several locations. On September 15, Saudi air defenses intercepted a drone that authorities said attempted to enter restricted airspace near Makkah.
Al-Fawzan called on Saudi troops stationed on the front lines to remain ready and follow orders from their commanders.
“It is your duty, brothers serving on the front lines, to always be ready to carry out your duties, obey the ruler and field commanders, and execute orders with the utmost precision,” the statement said.
He also referred to Saudi troops as following the example of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions while defending Muslim holy sites.
The statement comes as Saudi Arabia strengthens its diplomatic and security response to the Houthi escalation. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt have recently affirmed Riyadh’s right to defend itself under international law.
