Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty, declaring there will be no concessions regarding security despite ongoing aggression from the Houthi armed group. Speaking on Wednesday during the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, Prince Mohammed addressed the attacks on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Crown Prince characterized the Houthi actions as a deliberate choice for “chaos and destruction,” noting that the Yemeni rebels are threatening both the Yemeni population and the broader region. He emphasized that Riyadh remains ready to respond decisively to any assault intended to undermine the nation’s security.
Highlighting recent diplomatic and military advancements, MBS pointed to the trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement established in August with Turkiye and Pakistan. He described the alliance as a testament to Saudi leadership’s dedication to reinforcing regional stability, shielding the area from the fallout of conflicts, and coordinating defensive efforts effectively.
Despite these robust military postures, the Crown Prince stated that Saudi Arabia continues to pursue every possible avenue to de-escalate tensions and advance diplomatic solutions, provided such efforts do not compromise national security.
Addressing the maritime dimension of the conflict, MBS strongly condemned the Houthi targeting of vessels in the Red Sea, particularly near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. He rejected the notion of using international waterways as leverage for political or economic pressure and noted the formation of a multinational defensive maritime coalition designed to protect common interests in these critical shipping lanes.
Tensions have escalated significantly in recent weeks as the Houthis intensify their campaign against Saudi Arabia while simultaneously fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces, which are backed by Riyadh. Last week, Saudi authorities reported intercepting six ballistic missiles aimed at Taif in the western province and the Yanbu port area along the Red Sea coast. Additionally, the Houthis claimed strikes on a sensitive target in the capital, Riyadh, as well as facilities belonging to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco in Yanbu.
Reaffirming the strength of the new defense pact, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated on Tuesday that Islamabad stands ready to provide all necessary means to support Saudi Arabia if Houthi attacks persist.
Mecca Joint Defence Agreement? Three-way alliances in this region are rare. Hope this actually holds up under pressure.
Red Sea shipping routes are vital for global trade. Any disruption there hurts everyone, not just Saudi Arabia.
Diplomacy should come first, but military readiness sometimes sends the only language rebels understand.
Interesting that Pakistan is now part of this defense pact. I wonder how that shifts the regional balance of power?