The Saudi Cabinet convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to reaffirm its full support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government and efforts to end the Houthi control of key areas in the country. The session, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, underscored Riyadh’s commitment to backing the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni people in restoring the country’s state institutions.
During the meeting, the Cabinet criticized the Houthi movement for opting for military escalation rather than pursuing peace, which it said has exacerbated Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and economic challenges. Officials also expressed concern about the ongoing threats posed by the Houthis to regional security, including the disruption of maritime traffic in critical waterways such as the southern Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
In a statement issued after the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary highlighted the Cabinet’s endorsement of the emergency gathering of the Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense. This alliance, comprising Saudi Arabia and two other unnamed countries, reaffirmed their solidarity and common stance in confronting what were described as “criminal attacks” targeting Saudi Arabia. These include assaults on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as on civilian targets and economic infrastructure.
The meeting also resolved to enhance joint deterrence measures and accelerate the implementation of mutual defense agreements. This initiative aims to bolster military readiness, improve coordination, and strengthen collective capabilities to counter ongoing threats.
At the start of the Cabinet session, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefed ministers on his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. The discussion covered prospects for bilateral relations and potential areas of cooperation, alongside a review of recent developments in the broader region.
The Cabinet’s reaffirmation of support comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen and continued regional tensions, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities in maintaining security and political stability on its southern border and across the neighboring Red Sea corridor.