The 'huge problem' Saudi Arabia faces in its conflict with the Houthis

Recent deadly attacks on Saudi Arabian airports have escalated the country's ongoing conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels. An attack on Riyadh airport, which killed 13 people, was followed by a warning from the Iranian-backed group that "the worst is yet to come." This development adds to the instability in a region already dealing with a stalemate in another war, as talks between the US and Iran are progressing slowly.

The attacks have exposed gaps in Saudi Arabia's defenses, with some reports indicating the country is running low on defensive missiles. Resolving the crisis could be challenging, even with a deal to end the broader war between Washington and Tehran, as the Houthis have become increasingly independent-minded and belligerent towards the Saudi monarchy.

The Saudi-led intervention in Yemen's civil war in 2015 was aimed at supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthis, who sought greater autonomy for the areas they controlled. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia has been supporting the government in the south through a blockade.

In recent days, multiple strikes have hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing 13 people and injuring over 300. This marks a significant escalation, with the Houthis threatening to block the narrow Bab el Mandeb Strait to disrupt Saudi oil exports. While the Houthis have previously targeted critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the current escalation is testing the country's air defenses.

Some experts suggest that the Saudis may be running low on interceptor missiles, and the Houthis can cause damage with a relatively small number of drones and missiles. The situation has complicated any potential deal to end the conflict, as the Houthis currently hold the upper hand due to their military strength and the overlapping Yemeni war.