Saudi Cabinet Renews Full Support for Yemen Amid Rising Houthi Threats

• The meeting was led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
• It blamed the Houthis for opting for military escalation rather than pursuing peace.

Updated 4 min 16 sec ago

October 6, 2026 21:49

RIYADH: On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet reiterated its unequivocal backing for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the internationally recognized government, even as hostilities with Iran‑aligned Houthi forces intensified.
The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, stated that the Kingdom supports efforts to rebuild Yemen’s state institutions and accused the Houthis of preferring military escalation over a peaceful resolution.
It warned that the group’s actions are exacerbating Yemen’s humanitarian and economic hardships while threatening regional security and maritime traffic in the southern Red Sea and the Bab Al‑Mandab Strait, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The remarks follow the most severe escalation in Yemen’s conflict since the UN‑brokered truce of 2022.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government launched a major offensive against the Houthis on Sunday, with Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al‑Alimi vowing to continue operations until all Houthi‑held territory is reclaimed.
Government troops have since advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, retaking areas around the strategically vital Bab Al‑Mandab Strait and the port city of Mokha, Yemeni officials reported.
In parallel, the Houthis have increased their attacks on Saudi territory.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority said three people were injured when the airports of Najran and Jazan were struck in two separate strikes, causing some material damage.
Riyadh also accused the Houthis of attempting to strike the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as targeting civilian and economic sites in Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushayt, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu.
The Cabinet welcomed the results of Monday’s emergency meeting of the Makkah Alliance for Defence, which unites Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
The three allies condemned any attempts to target Makkah and Madinah and attacks on Saudi cities and civilian‑economic infrastructure, and agreed to move swiftly toward implementing their collective‑defence commitments.
The alliance noted that the measures will involve pledged military forces and capabilities, ensuring their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia to bolster readiness, integration and collective deterrence.
At the opening of Tuesday’s Cabinet session, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also briefed ministers on his discussions with Syrian President Ahmed Al‑Sharaa.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations, areas of cooperation, and the latest regional developments, the SPA reported.
Finally, the Cabinet authorized the Saudi environment minister to negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding with Syria’s Ministry of Local Administration and Environment on environmental cooperation.

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