Saudi Arabia has billions in weapons — why are Yemen’s Houthis still so difficult to defeat?

Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has invested billions in acquiring advanced weaponry and military equipment to combat Yemen's Houthis, a group supported by Iran. Despite their substantial arsenal, the kingdom has struggled to defeat the resilient Houthis. The Houthi's success can be attributed to their effective use of rugged terrain and tribal bonds, which have bolstered their defenses and allowed them to maintain a unified front.

Additionally, the Houthis have amassed a modern arsenal of missiles and drones, backed by Iran, further complicating Saudi efforts to neutralize their capabilities. The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has also faced challenges due to low morale among its forces and delays in receiving much-needed weapons and equipment.

Despite numerous US, British, and Israeli strikes, the Houthis have continued to pose a significant threat, most recently by seizing Yemen's entire Red Sea coast and blockading Saudi oil exports.