Saudi Crown Prince Emphasizes Security Amid Houthi Attacks

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia stated that the kingdom will not compromise on its security in response to attacks by the Houthi armed group. In a speech on Wednesday, delivered 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 described the Houthis' actions as choosing 'chaos and destruction,' which threaten both the Yemeni people and the region. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia 'will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack aimed at undermining' its security. The Crown Prince highlighted the trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkiye and Pakistan, formalized in August, as evidence of Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening regional stability and coordinating efforts to shield the region from tensions and conflicts. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and support diplomatic solutions while maintaining security. Additionally, he addressed the targeting of vessels by the Houthis in the Red Sea, asserting that international waterways should not be used for political or economic pressure. A 'multinational defensive maritime coalition' has been established to protect common interests in these waterways. Recently, the Houthis have increased their attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the interception of six ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and the Yanbu port area. The Houthis claimed to have targeted a sensitive site in Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco in Yanbu. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Islamabad is prepared to provide support to Saudi Arabia under the mutual defence pact if Houthi attacks persist.