Former Saudi Official Claims Crown Prince Forged Yemen War Decree

A former Saudi official, Saad al-Jabri, has accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of forging his father's signature on a royal decree that initiated the prolonged conflict against Yemen's Houthi rebels. These allegations were made in a BBC interview and later detailed to The Associated Press. Saudi Arabia has not responded to these claims.

Al-Jabri, who lives in exile in Canada, has been in a prolonged dispute with the kingdom. His two children are imprisoned, which he believes is an attempt to force him back to Saudi Arabia. He also alleges that the crown prince wants him dead. "I am not a dissident, nor did I put myself in this situation by choice," al-Jabri told the AP. "I was a high-ranking Saudi official who dedicated himself to safeguarding his country, recognised for saving thousands of Saudi and Western lives. Now I am a father doing everything possible to secure the release of his children."

Allegations Against the Crown Prince

In his BBC interview, al-Jabri claimed that a "credible, reliable" source linked to the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed that Prince Mohammed signed the war declaration instead of his father. At that time, Prince Mohammed was serving as the defence minister. Al-Jabri later told the AP that he had reached an agreement with US officials during the Obama administration for an aerial campaign against the Houthis without ground intervention.

The war against Yemen's Houthi rebels has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Despite initial promises by Prince Mohammed that the conflict would be brief, it has dragged on for nearly a decade. The Houthis have also launched attacks on shipping since the Israel-Hamas war began, disrupting Red Sea traffic and leading to intense US Navy combat.

Internal Disputes and Power Struggles

Al-Jabri's former superior, then-Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, chaired a meeting formalising the aerial campaign plan. However, Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed displeasure at this meeting and claimed he could defeat the Houthis in two months with a ground offensive. Al-Jabri alleged that a royal order was later issued authorising ground operations without King Salman's knowledge and with a forged signature.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was later replaced as crown prince by King Salman in 2017 and is believed to be under house arrest. He was a trusted ally of the US in combating al-Qaida after the September 11 attacks. Al-Jabri sued Prince Mohammed bin Salman in US federal court, alleging that the crown prince sought to have him killed after he fled abroad.

Ongoing Feud and Personal Risks

Al-Jabri reiterated his fears for his life and his children's safety during his interviews with both BBC and AP. "He planned for my assassination," al-Jabri told the BBC. "He will not rest until he sees me dead. I have no doubt about that." He emphasised that staying silent had worsened matters, compelling him to speak out for his children's well-being.

The US State Department has not commented on al-Jabri's claims. Al-Jabri maintains that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has started this feud and holds the power to end it instantly.