In the statement, the Grand Mufti said that defending the country's territory and resisting illegal interveners there is an important duty. At the same time, he cited establishing the authority of the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government across the entire country as one of the urgent duties.

Al-Fawzan called on soldiers serving at the border to be ready to perform their duties, to obey the directives of the ruler and military commanders, and to carry out orders properly. He also prayed for the defeat of the Houthis and their allies.

Reuters reported that attacks and counterattacks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have increased over several weeks. It has been claimed that the Houthis carried out missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia has also carried out airstrikes.

Reuters described the Saudi Grand Mufti's remarks as a rare and stern message from the country's religious authorities in recent times. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are preparing for an emergency military meeting under a joint defense agreement in response to the Houthi attacks.