Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti issued a statement on Thursday addressed to fighters stationed on the frontlines and to coalition forces, according to reports from صحيفة سبق الإلكترونية and the Saudi Press Agency. The message was described as a directive to those described as "al-murabitin" — those holding defensive positions — and to coalition troops.
The Saudi Press Agency carried the statement under its general news section, while صحيفة سبق الإلكترونية reported the same development. Neither outlet's headline specified the full contents of the message.
Coverage of the statement varied by outlet. BBC reported that the Grand Mufti's message urged "ribat and jihad" against the Houthis, and that Turkey and Pakistan were discussing support for the Kingdom. Al Arabiya reported that the Grand Mufti described the Houthis as a "gang of evil," while Al Jazeera reported that he attacked the Houthis and directed a statement to the frontline forces and coalition troops. These characterizations come from those outlets and could not be independently verified from the material available.
The statement comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis. The reported discussions involving Turkey and Pakistan, if confirmed, would mark a notable diplomatic development, but no details on the nature or status of those talks were provided in the available reporting.
What to watch next: whether Saudi officials release the full text of the Grand Mufti's statement, and whether Turkey or Pakistan confirm any discussions about supporting the Kingdom.
