Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Vows Unyielding Security as Houthi Attacks Persist

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has firmly stated that the kingdom will not compromise on its security amid ongoing threats from the Houthi armed group, accusing the Yemeni rebels of choosing "chaos and destruction" that threaten both the Yemeni people and the wider region.

Speaking on Wednesday on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during the opening of the third year of the ninth session of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, Prince Mohammed emphasized that the nation "will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack aimed at undermining" its security.

Highlighting the trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement established with Turkiye and Pakistan in August, the crown prince noted that the alliance demonstrates Saudi leadership's commitment "to strengthen regional stability, shield it from the repercussions of tensions and conflicts and coordinate efforts." Simultaneously, he reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia is pursuing all available avenues to de-escalate tensions and promote diplomatic resolutions without ever compromising national security.

Addressing the security of vital shipping lanes, Prince Mohammed condemned the targeting of vessels by the Houthis in the Red Sea and along the Bab al-Mandeb strait, rejecting the exploitation of international waterways for political or economic leverage. He noted that a "multinational defensive maritime coalition" has been formed to protect "common interests" across these crucial shipping routes.

The Houthi movement has recently escalated its offensive against Saudi Arabia while continuing its conflict against Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government forces. Riyadh reported last week the successful interception of six ballistic missiles directed at Taif in western Saudi Arabia and the Yanbu port area on the Red Sea, while the Houthis claimed responsibility for strikes on a sensitive target in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. In response to the ongoing escalation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated on Tuesday that Islamabad will provide "whatever means" are necessary to support Saudi Arabia under their mutual defence pact if the attacks persist.