Saudi Council of Senior Scholars Condemns Houthi Attacks on Civilians and Holy Sites

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars has strongly condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on civilian locations, accusing the Iran-backed group of terrorism and alleged attempts to target Islam’s two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah.

In a statement issued by its General Secretariat on Wednesday, the council said the group’s actions had fuelled instability, threatened innocent lives, and undermined regional security.

The council described the alleged attempts to target the holy cities as a grave act of aggression against Muslims worldwide, stressing that any threat to Islam’s sacred sites was a serious matter of concern for the Muslim community.

It also said the Houthis’ actions were no less dangerous than those of extremist organizations such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, accusing the group of seeking to spread corruption and destabilize security.

The council praised the vigilance of Saudi Arabia’s air defense systems and the effectiveness of its armed forces, saying they had thwarted an alleged plot to target people visiting the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Citing verses from the Holy Quran condemning those who wage war against God and His Messenger and spread corruption on earth, the council said the alleged crimes extended beyond threats to public security to include attacks on innocent people, property, and the sanctity of Muslim holy sites.

The council called on Muslims worldwide to condemn the actions of the Houthi movement and stand united in protecting sacred places from attacks and threats.

It also urged greater solidarity among Muslims, emphasizing cooperation in righteousness and piety as essential principles for preserving peace, security, and the sanctity of religious sites.