US and Saudi Arabia lack plan as Houthi strikes expose Riyadh's vulnerability

The United States and Saudi Arabia lack a clear strategy to counter Houthi strikes, as reported by multiple sources to CNN. Despite providing intelligence and targeting assistance, the US has not been able to effectively respond to the Houthis' actions. The Houthi group recently fired ballistic missiles at Riyadh, highlighting the kingdom's vulnerability.

Saudi Arabia had assured Riyadh for years that it had equipped Yemeni forces to fight the Houthis, but US officials believe Riyadh is still unable to push back the rebels. On Sunday, the US President's unexpected return to the White House coincided with a major escalation against Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition reported that Houthi missiles were intercepted over Riyadh, protecting several targets including Taif, Baish, Farasan, and Yanbu.

However, the group has managed to seize control of a strategic island on the Red Sea and is seeking to take full command of the Red Sea coastline and Bab al-Mandeb strait. Saudi Arabia is reportedly running low on missile interceptors and has requested air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt, but these requests have been denied.

While Turkey and Pakistan have signed defense pacts with Saudi Arabia, they have not provided immediate military aid. The US administration has ruled out direct participation in the conflict, limiting its involvement to intelligence sharing. This lack of a unified plan to counter the Houthis has alarmed Saudi Arabia's Gulf partners, who view the Houthi offensive as a new front in a broader regional conflict.