Saudi Arabia Vows Unwavering Security Stance Amid Houthi Chaos, Says MBS

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has declared that the kingdom will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat.

Published On 30 Sep 202630 Sep 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has pledged that the kingdom will not compromise on its security amid attacks by the Houthi armed group, stating that the Yemeni rebels have chosen “chaos and destruction, threatening both the Yemeni people and the broader region”.

During a speech delivered on Wednesday on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, Prince Mohammed declared that the country “will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack aimed at undermining” its security.

He highlighted the trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkiye and Pakistan, formalised in August, noting that the alliance demonstrates the Saudi leadership’s commitment “to strengthen regional stability, shield it from the repercussions of tensions and conflicts, and coordinate efforts”.

At the same time, the crown prince added, Saudi Arabia is making “every possible effort to de‑escalate tensions and support diplomatic solutions without the slightest compromise on preserving our security”.

Maritime coalition to defend Red Sea

MBS also addressed the targeting of vessels by the Houthis in the Red Sea along the Bab al‑Mandeb strait, rejecting the use of international waterways as a tool for political or economic pressure.

He announced the formation of a multinational defensive maritime coalition designed to safeguard “common interests” in international waterways.

In recent weeks, the Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia as they continue to fight Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi‑backed government forces.

Last week, Riyadh reported the interception of six ballistic missiles targeting Taif in western Saudi Arabia and the Yanbu port area on the Red Sea.

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on a sensitive target in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and on Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Islamabad will make “whatever means” available to Saudi Arabia under the mutual defence pact should the Houthi attacks on the kingdom continue.

Source link