176 ministers and Islamic leaders from over 70 countries condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

A total of 176 ministers, scholars, muftis, and heads of Islamic associations, universities, and institutions from more than 70 countries have strongly condemned the attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia. They described these acts as a threat to the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of their visitors, as well as targeting airports and vital civilian facilities. The signatories affirmed their full support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its territory, safeguard its security and stability, and defend Islamic holy sites.

In statements and messages sent to Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, the leaders said these attacks constitute a blatant violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites, an affront to human and moral values, and a disregard for the sanctity of life, which Islamic law seeks to protect. They stressed that the actions of the Houthi militias reveal a lack of human and ethical values and highlight the dangers posed by their practices to regional security and stability. The leaders called for a firm international response to put an end to these attacks and hold those responsible accountable under international laws and regulations.

They strongly condemned the deliberate targeting of Saudi airports and vital civilian facilities by the Houthi militias, noting the direct threat these attacks pose to the safety of civilians and travelers, the disruption of air traffic, and the hardship caused to travelers, including pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The leaders emphasized that endangering innocent lives, spreading fear among the public, and hindering the arrival of pilgrims to the holy sites demonstrate the militias' disregard for human life and Islamic and humanitarian values. They described these acts as grave violations of international laws and norms, and called for serious international action to protect civilian facilities and ensure the safety of travelers.

The leaders stressed that standing with Saudi Arabia in the face of these attacks is a pressing duty and a religious, moral, and humanitarian responsibility. They affirmed that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of their visitors is not solely a Saudi concern, but a matter for Muslims worldwide, given the revered status of Makkah and Madinah and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. Any threat to Saudi Arabia or its holy sites, they said, is an affront to the sentiments of the entire Muslim community.

They agreed that the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its territory, defend its security and stability, and safeguard the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors are appreciated and supported by Muslims and reasonable people globally. The leaders affirmed Saudi Arabia's legitimate right to take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty, the safety of its citizens and residents, and to counter any threats to its security, Islamic holy sites, or civilian facilities.

The leaders also praised Saudi Arabia's historic and leading role, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in serving Islam and Muslims, caring for the Two Holy Mosques, and dedicating resources to serve pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals in safety and comfort. They noted that these efforts are a source of pride for Muslims worldwide, and that targeting the Kingdom cannot be separated from its Islamic stature and its vital responsibilities in caring for holy sites and their visitors.

The leaders called on the international community, organizations, and relevant bodies to fulfill their legal, humanitarian, and moral responsibilities in confronting these attacks. They urged decisive actions to deter and hold perpetrators accountable, prevent recurrence, and protect civilians, religious sites, airports, and vital facilities from any threats or attacks. The leaders warned that leniency toward such practices would encourage their continuation, endanger innocent lives, and undermine efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.

The ministers, scholars, muftis, and Islamic leaders concluded their statements and messages by reaffirming their unwavering solidarity and full support for Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people in facing any threats to its security, stability, and Islamic holy sites. They prayed for the protection of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the continued security and prosperity of the Kingdom, and for the safety of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, asking that the plots of aggressors be turned back against them.