Saudi Grand Mufti urges troops to be ready to sacrifice lives

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan has urged soldiers to be prepared to sacrifice their lives while fighting Yemen’s Houthi group.

In a rare statement issued late Thursday, he said defending Saudi territory and confronting those who violate its borders were among the country’s highest duties.

He also called on frontline soldiers to remain ready, follow orders from the rulers and field commanders, and continue fighting until the Houthis are defeated.

The statement also described restoring the authority of Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government forces as one of the most urgent duties.

The remarks came amid renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis after years of relative calm. Recent clashes have included Houthi missile and drone attacks and Saudi airstrikes.

Al-Fawzan was appointed Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti in October 2025, with the rank of minister.

-AJM