Allegations against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over Yemen war decision

Recent allegations against Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) claim that he forged his father King Salman’s signature to initiate the kingdom’s involvement in the Yemen war. Saad al-Jabri, a former senior Saudi intelligence official, made these accusations during a BBC interview and further detailed them in statements to other media outlets.

Key Allegations: Forged Signature and Unilateral Decision

According to al-Jabri, the decision to launch a ground offensive in Yemen in 2015 was made without King Salman’s knowledge or consent. At the time, King Salman was reportedly suffering from deteriorating mental health. Al-Jabri alleges that Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the royal decree himself, overriding a previous agreement for a limited aerial campaign. This move, al-Jabri suggests, was motivated by the crown prince’s desire to assert his authority and solidify his position within the Saudi leadership. A “credible, reliable” official from the Saudi Interior Ministry purportedly confirmed these claims to al-Jabri.

Impact of the Yemen Conflict

The Yemen conflict, now entering its ninth year, has evolved into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with over 150,000 deaths and millions displaced. Initially framed by MBS as a brief intervention, the war has persisted, leading to widespread devastation and international criticism.

Context of Dissent and Internal Strife

These allegations are part of a broader pattern of dissent and internal conflict within the Saudi royal family. Al-Jabri has been engaged in a long-standing dispute with the Saudi government, which he claims has detained his children to pressure him into returning to the kingdom. He has also accused MBS of plotting to assassinate him, echoing previous claims about the crown prince’s readiness to eliminate rivals.

Saudi Government Response and International Reaction

The Saudi government has dismissed al-Jabri’s allegations as baseless, labeling him a “discredited former official.” However, these accusations have reignited scrutiny of MBS’s authority and the methods he employed to consolidate power, particularly during the early stages of his tenure as defense minister. As of now, the Saudi government has not issued a direct response to the new allegations, and international reactions have been subdued.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Implications

These developments underscore the complexities and ongoing tensions within Saudi Arabia’s leadership, raising significant questions about the kingdom’s future under MBS’s de facto leadership. The situation highlights the contentious nature of Saudi Arabia’s internal and external politics, with broader implications for the kingdom’s role in regional and global affairs.