Saudi Council of Senior Scholars labels Houthis a terrorist group

The General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars issued a statement today describing the Houthi militia as a terrorist group, stressing that it has committed grave violations against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen, undermined security, sown division, and attacked sanctities.

The statement noted that the Houthi militia has carried out terrorist acts by attempting to target the two holy cities, Makkah and Madinah, calling this terrorism a clear affront to the sanctity of God. It emphasized that the threat posed by the Houthis is no less than that of extremist groups such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, and even surpasses them in spreading corruption and aggression against Muslims.

The council added that targeting pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is a grave sin and act of aggression, praising the vigilance of Saudi air defense and the professionalism of the Saudi armed forces in thwarting such attacks.

The secretariat affirmed that these criminal acts fall under the Quranic verse: "Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption..." It explained that the militia’s crimes include violating the sanctity of lives, property, security, stability, and Islamic holy sites.

The council called on all Muslims to denounce these terrorist acts and to stand united in defending the holy sites, in accordance with the teachings of Islamic law.