Houthi strikes mark the end of Saudi Arabia's Yemen 'containment strategy'

Houthi strikes signal the end of Saudi Arabia's Yemen containment strategy, according to analysts and diplomats. The conflict that began a decade ago, aimed at ousting the Houthis from power, has turned into a quagmire that has cost Saudi Arabia heavily. Analysts compare Saudi Arabia's approach to the way Israel dealt with Hamas in Gaza before 2023.

Recently, Saudi Arabia bombed Sanaa airport to prevent a plane carrying Houthi officials from landing, and the Houthis responded with a blockade and offensive down the Red Sea coast that Saudi Arabia and its allies have struggled to counter. The Houthis have become more sophisticated adversaries, with improved targeting capabilities.

Saudi Arabia, which spends a high percentage of its GDP on military gear, faces increased risks from the Houthis' strikes, which have hit important facilities including Riyadh's international airport and Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran.