Saudi Arabia Vows No Compromise on Security Amid Houthi ‘Chaos’: Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has vowed that the kingdom will not compromise on its security amid attacks by the Houthi armed group, accusing the Yemeni rebels of choosing “chaos and destruction” and threatening both Yemen and the wider region.

Speaking 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 on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed said Riyadh “will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack” targeting the kingdom’s security.

He highlighted the trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkiye and Pakistan, formalised in August, saying the pact reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen regional stability, limit the impact of conflicts and tensions, and improve coordination among its partners.

At the same time, the crown prince said Riyadh was making “every possible effort” to ease tensions and promote diplomatic solutions, while stressing that such efforts would not come at the expense of Saudi security.

Maritime coalition to protect Red Sea

Mohammed bin Salman also addressed Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, rejecting the use of international waterways as a means of exerting political or economic pressure.

He said a “multinational defensive maritime coalition” had been established to safeguard common interests and protect international shipping routes.

The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks as they battle Yemen’s internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government forces.

Last week, Riyadh said it intercepted six ballistic missiles targeting Taif in western Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea port area around Yanbu.

The Houthis, meanwhile, claimed to have struck a “sensitive target” in Riyadh as well as Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Islamabad would provide Saudi Arabia with “whatever means” were available under the two countries’ mutual defence pact if Houthi attacks against the kingdom continued.