Yemeni ministry condemns Omani grand mufti’s remarks as legitimizing Iran-backed militias

Yemen’s Ministry of Endowments and Guidance has condemned statements made by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili, the Grand Mufti of Oman.

In a statement, the ministry said it followed with deep regret and denunciation the remarks issued by the office of Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili, the grand mufti of the brotherly Sultanate of Oman, describing them as misrepresenting the tragic reality faced by the Yemeni people.

The statement added that these comments provide moral cover to outlawed militias that, with Iranian support and funding, have overthrown the legitimate government, devastated the country’s resources, and exposed its interests to bombardment, destruction, and ruin.

The ministry criticized attempts to portray the Houthi militia as heroic, despite accusations of grave violations against Yemenis, including targeting and bombing Quran schools and mosques, displacing millions, causing large numbers of deaths and injuries, looting national resources, and worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The ministry affirmed that Yemenis of all backgrounds stand with the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle, stressing that this position does not require endorsement from anyone. It called for engagement with Yemeni scholars and religious bodies to understand the full dimensions and consequences of the issue.

The ministry also noted that, according to its statement, Houthi attacks have extended beyond Yemen to target Saudi Arabia and threaten regional security, including what it described as attacks on Mecca.

The Ministry of Endowments and Guidance called on the grand mufti of Oman to reconsider his stance and view the situation of the Yemeni people from a perspective grounded in facts and their suffering. It warned against providing what it described as religious cover for a militia it accuses of undermining Yemen’s and the region’s security and serving Iran’s agenda.