Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives fighting Houthis
Saudi air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones targeting Riyadh, the southern region, and areas near Mecca and Medina as fighting with Iran-aligned Houthi rebels persisted. The coalition reported that an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed two people and wounded eight, while falling debris from an intercepted strike on the Shaybah oil field killed two residents and injured two others. The renewed hostilities prompted the Saudi-led coalition to launch military operations targeting Houthi resources, while international diplomatic and defense alignments widened across the region.
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- ✓ Saudi Arabia intercepted drones and missiles launched over Riyadh and southern parts of the country by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.
- ✓ Houthi attacks on Saudi airports resulted in three injuries in one instance and killed two people while wounding eight in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
- ✓ Falling debris from an intercepted strike targeting the Shaybah oil field killed two residents and injured two more without disrupting production.
- ✓ Egypt's parliament authorized sending military support to Saudi Arabia for defense from attacks by Houthis.
What changed
Egypt's parliament authorized sending military support to Saudi Arabia while Saudi allies moved to activate military coordination under a joint defense pact.
Live updates
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Saudi Arabia Defends Against Houthi Barrages as Regional Alliances Shift
Saudi air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones targeting Riyadh, the southern region, and areas near Mecca and Medina as fighting with Iran-aligned Houthi rebels persisted. The coalition reported that an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed two people and wounded eight, while falling debris from an intercepted strike on the Shaybah oil field killed two residents and injured two others. The renewed hostilities prompted the Saudi-led coalition to launch military operations targeting Houthi resources, while international diplomatic and defense alignments widened across the region.
Why it matters
The escalation follows a warning by UN envoy Hans Grundberg that Yemen had slipped back into full-scale war as Houthi forces advanced toward Mokha and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. The conflict now involves broader regional diplomatic maneuvers, including a joint defense pact and a visit to Tehran by the Saudi defense minister alongside Pakistan's army chief and Turkiye's intelligence chief. Egypt's parliament also authorized sending military support to Saudi Arabia, which Houthi officials denounced as a declaration of war.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia intercepted drones and missiles launched over Riyadh and southern parts of the country by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.
- Houthi attacks on Saudi airports resulted in three injuries in one instance and killed two people while wounding eight in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
- Falling debris from an intercepted strike targeting the Shaybah oil field killed two residents and injured two more without disrupting production.
- Egypt's parliament authorized sending military support to Saudi Arabia for defense from attacks by Houthis.
Still unconfirmed
- A Houthi official stated that Egypt's military support for Saudi Arabia is a declaration of war.
What to watch next
- Implementation and deployment details of Egypt's military support for Saudi Arabia
- Actions taken by Saudi allies under the joint defense pact
- Further Houthi strikes or coalition counter-operations along the western coast of Yemen
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.aljazeera.com — Houthis | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- thearabianpost.com — Saudi allies coordinate defence response to Houthi attacks | Arabian Post
- www.newsday.com — Saudi Arabia says 2 airports were hit in renewed fighting ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones as fighting with ...
- www.iranintl.com — Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles, drones as Yemen ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Saudi air defences intercept Houthi barrage near Mecca
- gulfnews.com — Houthi missiles near Mecca, Medina trigger Saudi ‘red line’ warning as fresh attacks rock Riyadh
- www.thenationalnews.com — Fighting intensifies as Houthis and Saudi-led coalition in ...
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Houthi official says Egypt's military support for Saudi declaration of war - CNA
- www.arabnews.com — Saudi Arabia bets on force to rein in the Houthis
- www.hindustantimes.com — Egypt's military support to Saudi a 'declaration of war ...
- www.yahoo.com — Mecca Joint Defense Agreement: Solidarity Against Houthis - Yahoo
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Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives fighting Houthis
The Saudi-led coalition is battling Houthi rebels in Yemen, with recent intensification of attacks on Saudi Arabia's airports and energy facilities. The UK has expanded military support for Saudi Arabia, including defensive air patrols. The conflict has drawn in regional players, with Iran-backed Houthis launching attacks on Red Sea shipping and Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, with a UN-brokered ceasefire in place since 2022. The Houthi rebels are backed by Iran, and their attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised fears of regional escalation. The Saudi-led coalition is supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government.
What is confirmed
- Houthi rebels have fought a Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014.
- The conflict quieted under a UN-brokered ceasefire in 2022.
- Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport in July 2026 threaten to reignite the civil war.
- The UK has expanded military support for Saudi Arabia, including defensive air patrols.
- Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran says the US is seeking changes to a seven-day ceasefire proposal.
What to watch next
- Further escalation of attacks on Saudi Arabia's airports and energy facilities
- Response from the Saudi-led coalition to Houthi attacks
- Outcome of indirect talks between Iran and the US on a ceasefire
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.cfr.org — Conflict in Yemen and the Red Sea
- www.latimes.com — The U.K. expands military support for Saudi Arabia against ...
- www.cbsnews.com — Live Updates: Iran says indirect talks with U.S. on ceasefire ...
- www.cbsnews.com — Saudi Arabia spends billions on its military. Why can't it ...
- gulfnews.com — Saudi-Houthi Conflict Intensifies: Key Developments and ...
- www.foxnews.com — Trump orders US government staff out of Saudi Arabia amid ...
- www.middleeasteye.net — Saudi-led coalition reports heavy fighting with Houthis in ...
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Saudi-led Coalition Warns of Sanaa Operation Amid Houthi Escalation
The Saudi-led coalition warned civilians in Sanaa of an imminent military operation as Houthi attacks on Riyadh intensify. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have scheduled urgent chief of staff talks to discuss supporting the kingdom under their defense pact. These developments follow a series of Houthi missile and drone barrages targeting Saudi energy facilities and airports. The Houthis aim to increase military and financial costs for Riyadh while pressuring the Saudi government and the United States to ease economic blockades on Iran.
Why it matters
The conflict involves an Iran-aligned Houthi militia attempting to disrupt Saudi Arabia's economic ambitions and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has struggled to defend against these aerial attacks. Regional allies Turkey and Pakistan have previously offered defensive support rather than direct combat roles.
What is confirmed
- The Saudi-led coalition warned civilians in Sanaa of an imminent military operation.
- Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are holding urgent chief of staff talks regarding support for Riyadh under a defense pact.
- Houthi forces have targeted Saudi airports and energy facilities with missiles and drones.
Still unconfirmed
- Houthi attacks aim to persuade US President Donald Trump to ease the US blockade on Iran.
- The Houthi campaign is a calculated effort by Iran to use Saudi Arabia as a pressure point in a broader confrontation.
What to watch next
- Execution or cancellation of the warned operation in Sanaa
- Outcomes of the chief of staff talks between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.wionews.com — Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan set urgent military talks ...
- www.pbs.org — Why Saudi Arabia's military has struggled to defend the country against Houthi attacks
- gulfnews.com — Saudi-led coalition warns of imminent Sanaa operation
- www.dw.com — Saudi Arabia's struggle against Yemen's Houthi attacks
- kayhanlife.com — How the Houthis Are Helping Iran Turn Saudi Arabia Into a ...
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Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Troops to Defend Kingdom Against Houthis
Saudi Arabia Grand Mufti Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan condemned Houthi attacks on civilian facilities and worshippers heading to holy sites, calling the actions grave crimes. He issued statements as fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces intensified in Yemen. The Houthis are attempting to increase the military and financial costs of the conflict for Riyadh through ongoing attacks. Meanwhile, regional allies Pakistan and Turkey have offered defensive shields rather than joining direct combat operations against the Houthi militia.
Why it matters
The Grand Mufti holds the position of Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta. Religious rhetoric from top authorities in Saudi Arabia often accompanies major military mobilizations like Operation Dawn of Yemen, framing the conflict around the defense of Islamic holy sites. This religious framing runs parallel to strategic efforts by Yemeni government forces and the Saudi-led coalition to secure vital coastal corridors and Red Sea shipping routes.
What is confirmed
- Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan stated that Houthi targeting of civilian facilities and innocent people, including worshippers heading to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, is among the gravest of crimes.
- Fighting and attacks in the Yemen conflict have intensified as Houthis attempt to raise the war cost for Saudi Arabia.
Still unconfirmed
- Specific tactical outcomes of the ongoing fighting near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait following the Grand Mufti's remarks remain unverified by recent field reports.
What to watch next
- Direct reports on battlefield outcomes from the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and coastal areas
- Further military or defensive deployments by regional partners Pakistan and Turkey
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.aljazeera.com — Fighting in Yemen intensifies: What’s the latest on the ...
- www.spa.gov.sa — Saudi Grand Mufti: Houthi Militia's Targeting of Holy Sites ...
- www.youtube.com — Houthi Attack, Saudi Arabia Grand Mufti Issues Major ...
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Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Troops to Fight Houthis
Saudi Arabia has launched Operation Dawn of Yemen, deploying 100 warplanes to provide air cover for ground forces as part of a major offensive against Houthi-held territories. Yemeni government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition are attempting to secure key coastal areas and Red Sea shipping routes, claiming to have retaken positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Meanwhile, regional powers Pakistan and Turkey have responded to Saudi Arabia's call for assistance by offering a defensive shield rather than direct combat involvement against the Houthis.
Why it matters
The offensive represents a major escalation in the regional conflict, testing the limits of foreign military partnerships as Islamabad and Ankara attempt to limit their involvement to defense. Saudi Arabia's religious leadership continues to support the military campaign, with the grand mufti calling on troops to sacrifice their lives. Control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains critical for global trade, giving the ongoing military operations international strategic significance.
What is confirmed
- The Saudi-led coalition has deployed 100 warplanes in Operation Dawn of Yemen to provide air cover for ground forces.
- Pakistan and Turkey have answered Saudi Arabia's call for help with a defensive shield rather than direct offensive combat against the Houthis.
Still unconfirmed
- Islamabad may struggle to stay out of the fight as Riyadh's offensive in Yemen tests its defensive stance.
What to watch next
- Whether Pakistan and Turkey alter their defensive posture to join active combat operations
- The ability of Yemeni government forces and the Saudi coalition to hold positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi deterrence against Houthis: What ...
- theconversation.com — Mecca pact: Pakistan and Turkey have answered Saudi Arabia’s call for help – but don’t expect them ....
- gulfnews.com — Saudi-Led Coalition Joins Yemen Offensive Against Houthis ...
- www.ynetnews.com — Saudi Arabia's grand mufti calls for sacrifice against ...
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Saudi-backed forces launch major offensive against Houthis
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have begun a major military operation to retake Houthi-held territories, with air support from the Saudi-led coalition. The offensive aims to secure key coastal areas and Red Sea shipping routes. Yemeni government forces claim to have retaken key positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for global trade.
Why it matters
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with the Iran-backed Houthis controlling large parts of the country. The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting the Yemeni government in its efforts to regain control. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical waterway for international trade, with many oil tankers and cargo ships passing through it.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia is planning an offensive against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.
- The leader of Yemen's Saudi-backed government announced the beginning of a major military operation against the Iran-backed Houthis.
- The air campaign against Houthis is supported by 100 fighter jets and has secured 'air protection' of Bab al-Mandab strait.
- Yemeni government forces claimed to have retaken key positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Still unconfirmed
- Footage on social media shows Saudi-backed forces 'running over surrendering Houthi rebels using armoured vehicles'.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the military operation and its impact on the control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- The response of the Houthi movement to the offensive.
- The humanitarian situation on the ground and potential civilian casualties.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nation.com.pk — Saudis planning offensive against Houthis to reverse Red Sea gains - The Nation
- www.nbcnews.com — Yemen leader announces major military operations against Iran ...
- www.theguardian.com — Air campaign against Houthis under way in Yemen, says Saudi ...
- www.dailymail.com — Saudi-backed forces 'run over surrendering Houthi rebels using armoured vehicles' as battle rages over Re....
- www.wrtv.com — Saudi-backed troops launch offensive to break Houthi grip on ...
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Saudi-backed forces advance against Houthis in Yemen
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a major military operation to retake Houthi-held territories, with air support from the Saudi-led coalition. The offensive aims to secure key coastal areas and Red Sea shipping routes. The push comes after a directive from Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan on September 25, urging troops to be prepared to sacrifice their lives in the fight against the Iran-backed Houthis.
Why it matters
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with the Houthis controlling large swaths of territory. The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting the Yemeni government in its efforts to regain control. The latest offensive is a significant escalation in the conflict, with implications for regional stability and global shipping.
What is confirmed
- The Saudi-led coalition has launched a major campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Government offensive was launched under air cover by Saudi military coalition to retake all Houthi-held territory.
- Options under review include a coastal drive to protect vital Red Sea shipping routes.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia is seeking military support from Pakistan, Turkey, and France for the offensive.
What to watch next
- Further advances by Saudi-backed forces against Houthi-held territories
- International reaction to the escalation of the conflict
- Impact on Red Sea shipping routes and regional stability
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.independent.co.uk — Saudi Arabia plans major Yemen offensive against Iran-backed ...
- www.theguardian.com — Saudi-backed forces recapture key areas around strait from Houthis in Yemen | Yemen
- www.latimes.com — A Saudi-led coalition bombs Iran-backed Houthi rebels in ...
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Saudi-backed government launches offensive against Houthis
Yemen's Saudi-backed government has started a major military operation to reverse Houthi advances. This drive follows a directive from Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan on September 25, who urged soldiers to sacrifice their lives to achieve the complete defeat of the Iran-backed group. The offensive aims to reclaim key coastal areas and break a Houthi chokehold on Red Sea shipping routes. Riyadh is coordinating the effort with Yemeni ground forces and air strikes while seeking military support from Pakistan, Turkey, and France.
Why it matters
The escalation follows Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi targets, including a power station in Medina. Saudi Arabia is also attempting to reconcile with the UAE to secure its oil export corridors. The conflict centers on control of Yemen and the strategic Red Sea shipping lanes.
What is confirmed
- Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan called on troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives to oust the Iran-backed Houthis.
- The Saudi-backed government in Yemen has launched a military operation to retake territory and reverse Houthi advances.
- Saudi Arabia plans to regain control of key coastal areas and Red Sea shipping routes.
- Houthis attacked a power station in Medina, though the electricity network for the Prophet's Mosque remained functional.
Still unconfirmed
- The offensive may mobilize more than 100,000 Yemeni troops.
- The operation is supported by six people with knowledge of the preparations who claim it will be led by Yemeni forces overseen by Riyadh.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the total number of mobilized Yemeni troops.
- Formal military agreements with France, Turkey, or Pakistan.
- The impact of the offensive on the supply route to Taiz.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.ynetnews.com — Saudi grand mufti urges troops to sacrifice their lives for ‘complete defeat’ of Houthis
- www.thestar.com.my — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their ...
- www.devdiscourse.com — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their ...
- www.arabnews.com — Be ready to sacrifice lives to defend nation from Houthis ...
- www.thevibes.com — Saudi Grand Mufti urges troops to be ready to die fighting ...
- www.timesnownews.com — Saudis Signal War Challenge: Grand Mufti's 'Be Ready To Lay ...
- www.straitstimes.com — Saudi-led coalition says Houthis attacked Medina power ...
- www.straitstimes.com — Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold
- www.defensenews.com — Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold
- en.prothomalo.com — Saudi plans Houthi offensive with 100,000 Yemeni troops, US ...
- www.cnn.com — Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announces major offensive against Iran-backed Houthis
- www.theguardian.com — Yemen’s Saudi-backed government launches military drive to ...
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Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Troops to Sacrifice Lives Against Houthis
Saudi Arabia's top religious authority, Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, called on military personnel stationed in the country to prepare to lay down their lives to fight the Iran-backed Houthi movement. According to reports from Riyadh, the rare and strongly worded address urged soldiers to battle the group until it is ousted from power in order to protect the nation and sacred sites. Reuters journalists Timour Azhari and Hatem Maher reported the directive on September 25.
Why it matters
The religious endorsement arrives as the kingdom rallies allies amid growing concerns that the ongoing conflict could severely damage the global economy. The Grand Mufti framed the military campaign in ideological terms to rally forces against the regional threat. This positions the religious establishment directly behind military operations in Yemen.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti urged soldiers to be ready to sacrifice their lives to fight the Iran-backed Houthis.
- The message was delivered by Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan to troops stationed in the country.
- The military directive calls for fighting the Houthis until the group is ousted from power.
- Timour Azhari and Hatem Maher reported the developments from Riyadh on September 25 for Reuters.
Still unconfirmed
- Fears that the ongoing war could cripple the world's economy are driving the kingdom to rally allies.
What to watch next
- Official military responses from Houthi leadership regarding the Grand Mufti's remarks
- Shifts in coalition deployment or combat intensity on the ground in Yemen
- Reactions from international allies regarding the escalation of religious rhetoric in the conflict
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their ...
- www.straitstimes.com — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their ...
- www.dailymail.com — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their ...
- ksevradio.com — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their ...
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Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Troops to Fight Houthis as Religious Duty
The Saudi Grand Mufti has directed military personnel to prepare to sacrifice their lives in the fight against the Houthis, framing the ongoing conflict as a religious obligation. The top cleric urged coalition forces to unite and push for the complete defeat of the movement as mounting attacks target the region. These directives come amid broader Middle Eastern diplomatic and military developments, including separate proposals concerning regional shipping lanes and foreign military deployments.
Why it matters
The religious framing by top clerical authority highlights the ideological dimensions of the Saudi-led coalition's military engagement in Yemen. Coalition forces have faced persistent security threats along their borders and critical maritime trade corridors, prompting intensified calls for defensive unity. Clerical backing provides theological justification for military operations and troop mobilization during periods of escalated hostilities.
What is confirmed
- The Saudi Grand Mufti told troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives fighting Houthis.
- A top Saudi cleric called the fight against the Houthis a religious duty.
- The Saudi grand mufti urged troops to sacrifice their lives for the complete defeat of the Houthis.
- The Saudi Grand Mufti urged coalition forces to unite against the Houthis as attacks mount.
Still unconfirmed
- French President Macron announced a deployment in Yanbu amid the Grand Mufti urging troops to attack Yemen.
What to watch next
- Any official military response or escalation from Houthi leadership regarding the cleric's statements.
- Developments concerning coalition military coordination and potential shifts in strategy on the ground in Yemen.
- Updates on foreign military deployments and diplomatic initiatives involving regional waterways.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- reuters.com — Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives fighting Houthis
- nytimes.com — Top Saudi Cleric Calls Fight Against Houthis a Religious Duty
- Click2Houston — Iran's foreign minister details new offer to reopen strait, and other Mideast developments
- ynetnews.com — Saudi grand mufti urges troops to sacrifice their lives for ‘complete defeat’ of Houthis
- Enidnews.com — Top Saudi cleric urges troops to defend against the Houthis, and other Mideast developments
- NewsCord — Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Coalition Forces To Unite Against Houthis As Attacks Mount: how 14 outlets framed it
- PressTV — Saudi Grand Mufti urges troops to attack Yemen as Macron announces deployment in Yanbu
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