Saudi Arabia expected to ramp up strikes on Houthis after deadly Riyadh airport attack, experts say
“My sense is that they’re not going to buckle. They’re not going to just capitulate to the Houthis because of this,” Bernard Haykel explained to The Post.
Saudi Arabia is expected to intensify its military campaign against the Houthis following a deadly attack on the Riyadh airport, which killed 12 people and injured 309, according to regional experts. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and exposes the kingdom's vulnerability to strikes against civilian infrastructure, according to Bernard Haykel, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD).
Haykel believes the Saudis will not back down and will pursue a more aggressive strategy against the Houthis, relying on Yemeni forces opposed to the group. Former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, expressed shock at the audacity of the attack, noting that it is a new escalation for the Houthis. The attack highlights Riyadh's concerns over the limits of American military assistance, as well as their own growing concerns over the regional conflict.
Both experts agree that none of the parties involved want to escalate the conflict further, as it could lead to disproportionate retaliation.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Riyadh airport stays shut after deadly attack as Trump says US may join Saudi strikes on Houthis euronews.com
- 11 Indians injured in Saudi airport strike that killed 12; video captures aftermath timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- UAE condemns Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh english.ajel.sa
- Riyadh airport attack: Saudi Arabia extends closure, UAE airlines cancel flights indianexpress.com
