Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives fighting Houthis

Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti calls on soldiers to be prepared to sacrifice their lives fighting Iran-backed Houthis, according to a statement from the kingdom's state news agency. The rare and strongly-worded message from Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, addressed to troops stationed at the country's borders, draws on Quranic verses and teachings of Prophet Mohammad related to sacrifice and struggle against enemies.

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has escalated, with the Iran-backed group attacking the kingdom with missiles and drones while Saudi Arabia responds with airstrikes. Observers question whether Saudi Arabia will launch a broader military operation alongside Yemeni government forces it supports. The Grand Mufti's statement emphasizes the duty to protect the nation and punish any threat against its territory, stating that lives and souls may be sacrificed for God's pleasure.

The statement also asserts the authority of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government over the entire country, which has lost control of the Bab el-Mandeb waterway to the Houthis.