Saudi Crown Prince Accused of Forgery in Yemen War Decree

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In a startling revelation, former Saudi intelligence official Saad al-Jabri has alleged that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged his father's signature on the royal decree that initiated Saudi Arabia's protracted war against Yemen's Houthi rebels. The claims, made during an interview with the BBC, have not been substantiated with evidence, and the Saudi government has dismissed al-Jabri as a "discredited former government official." Al-Jabri, who currently resides in Canada, has been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the Saudi regime, particularly as his two children remain imprisoned in the kingdom. He asserts that a credible source within the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed that the Crown Prince signed the decree in place of King Salman, who is reportedly experiencing declining mental health. "We were surprised that there was a royal decree to allow the ground interventions," al-Jabri stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and has been described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The war has intensified with recent Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to significant military engagements involving the U.S. Navy. Al-Jabri, who previously served under former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, has also filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alleging attempts on his life. He expressed fears for his safety, stating, "He will not rest until he sees me dead. I have no doubt about that."