‘Be Ready to Lay Down Your Lives’: Saudi Grand Mufti’s Message to Troops Amid Houthi Escalation

Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Troops to Be Ready to Sacrifice Their Lives Fighting Houthis

Saudi Arabia’s Graynd Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan has called on the kingdom’s soldiers to remain prepared to sacrifice their lives while fighting Yemen’s Houthi movement, amid a sharp escalation in attacks between the two sides. 

In a rare and strongly worded message carried by Saudi state media, Al-Fawzan urged troops stationed along the kingdom’s borders to continue their mission until the Houthis are removed from power. He also called on soldiers to obey the orders of Saudi Arabia’s rulers and military commanders. 

The Grand Mufti described defending Saudi territory and repelling attacks as among the country’s major duties. He said restoring the authority of Yemen’s Saudi-backed government was also an important responsibility. 

The statement comes after weeks of escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, followed by Saudi military strikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities have reported attacks affecting several cities and civilian and economic faciities.