Saudi Arabia's military struggle against Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia fights against Houthi attacks in Yemen, which are intensifying their assaults on the kingdom's energy facilities, particularly airports. On Saturday, a missile strike at Riyadh's international airport claimed 13 lives and left over 300 injured; on Sunday, another attack led to a civilian fatality and 11 casualties. The Houthis also targeted Saudi Arabia's Dammam airport and two oil facilities within the last 24 hours.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud warned about energy security consequences and vowed a strong reaction. According to the American Enterprise Institute, Saudi Arabia is attacking Houthi missile launch sites and storage facilities in Yemen. However, years of Saudi-led military involvement in Yemen from 2015 to 2022 haven't managed to topple the Houthi militia, and the Saudi-led coalition has disbanded, with the United Arab Emirates withdrawing its troops.

The Houthis control significant areas of northern Yemen and the western coastline, disrupting international shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Saudi government has been seeking allies to combat the Houthi militia, with the United Kingdom and France pledging military assistance in late September. However, the US has declined to join the Saudi-led operation against the Houthis.

There is a possibility that Washington might reconsider its stance in the future. Analysts suggest that if the war's costs continue to rise, Saudi Arabia might consider withdrawing from the conflict. Establishing ground troops would be necessary to eliminate the Houthis, but Saudi Arabia lacks experience in such warfare, especially in a foreign country.

The Houthis are deeply entrenched in Yemen and can endure substantial blows. Saudi Arabia's primary concern is maintaining stability for its Vision 2030 reform agenda, which appears increasingly distant. The Saudi-led military intervention has not succeeded in defeating the Houthi militia, and the Yemeni government forces remain fragmented.

Iran has offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, but given Iran's backing of the Houthis and recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, it remains uncertain if Riyadh will accept this proposal.