How Yemen’s Houthis became a threat to Saudi Arabia — and what they really want

Yemen's Houthis are intensifying their attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting critical infrastructure such as airports, oil installations, and major cities. This escalation comes despite the risk of triggering a broader regional conflict. The intense attacks began on Sunday, prompting security alerts across several Saudi cities, including Khamis Mushait, Abha, Taif, Namas, and Jazan.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted at least ten ballistic missiles, including a cruise missile targeting Khamis Mushait. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, which had recently resumed limited operations following a two-week closure due to Houthi attacks, was once again targeted. The Houthis claim the airport remains a military target, despite plans to reopen it.

Beyond airport strikes, the conflict encompasses Yemen's future, Iranian influence, regional security, and control of vital global oil routes.

Key questions surrounding the escalating conflict include: Why are the Houthis intensifying their attacks now? The main trigger for the recent surge in attacks is the ongoing fighting inside Yemen. However, the Houthis also view this as an opportunity to enhance their negotiating position, as Saudi Arabia faces growing regional security pressures.

The fragile truce in place since 2022 has been disrupted due to disagreements over Yemen's airports, ports, and political future. Iran has provided the Houthis with weapons technology and military expertise, which has helped them develop long-range missile and drone capabilities. Iran's involvement may be pressuring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to secure concessions in Yemen and persuade the United States to ease economic pressure on Iran.

Nevertheless, the Houthis are not merely a creation of Iran. They emerged in northern Yemen during the 1990s, seized Sanaa in 2014, and have since developed their own political and military ambitions. Their main objectives include preserving their control over Sanaa and northern Yemen, gaining a decisive role in the country's future government, and securing the reopening of airports and ports under their control.

The Houthis also aim to limit outside military pressure and gain control over strategic routes, such as those near Bab Al Mandab. By threatening these routes, they can disrupt Saudi Arabia's energy exports and potentially strengthen Iran's negotiating position against Washington. Despite the possibility of a US-Iran agreement, the Saudi-Houthi confrontation is unlikely to end, as Yemen's Houthis seek to build ballistic missiles with further Chinese support.