How Yemeni forces can protect their battlefield gains

In the aftermath of the Houthis' attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the international community has condemned their actions and recognized Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself. The attacks resulted in 17 deaths and over 330 injuries, underscoring the Houthis' inability to leverage civilian casualties to their advantage.

As the Houthis have faced setbacks in recent military engagements, particularly in Taiz, they have resorted to shifting losses onto their adversaries, a misguided belief that civilian attacks will force opponents to ease pressure. However, this strategy only compounds the political costs of their military actions. The retaking of seized territory and the subsequent denial of the Houthis' regrouping opportunities are crucial steps in addressing the threat they pose.

Yemen's internationally recognized government and coalition forces have vowed to continue operations against the Houthis, aiming to dismantle their offensive capabilities and eliminate the threat they pose to Saudi Arabia's security and Yemen's future. The Houthis' reliance on a war of attrition, hoping to secure a halt to fighting and regroup, is not sustainable, as public support for their cause is dwindling as the number of wounded and losses mount.

Saudi Arabia's refusal to accept the Houthis' continued presence at the expense of national security and stability marks a decisive shift in the confrontation's objective, moving beyond individual attacks to stripping the terrorist militia of its ability to carry out further strikes.