Saudi Grand Mufti urges troops to unite against Houthis

Saudi Grand Mufti Saleh Al-Fawzan has called on Saudi troops and coalition forces to stay prepared, follow commanders’ orders and unite against the Houthis, as attacks and renewed fighting in Yemen heighten concern in the kingdom. His appeal, carried in a statement late Thursday, also described defending Saudi territory and restoring security in Yemen under its recognized leadership as major duties. The statement was addressed to soldiers stationed along Saudi Arabia’s borders and forces involved in the Yemen conflict. Al-Fawzan urged them to cooperate and remain steadfast. He also emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s borders and the Muslim holy sites it hosts. The remarks were presented as a call to military readiness and unity; they did not announce a new operation or specify a change in Saudi military policy. The appeal came amid reports of missile and drone attacks. Saudi authorities said air defences intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu. The Houthis separately claimed to have attacked a target in Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco in Yanbu. The supplied accounts do not independently establish the Houthi claims.