Houthi Surprise Attack Exposes Gaping Hole in US-Saudi Intelligence
The Houthi rebels' surprise offensive along Yemen's Red Sea coast has left many wondering how Saudi forces, bolstered by advanced US weaponry and intelligence, failed to stop them. The Houthis launched their attack earlier this month, catching Saudi-aligned government forces off guard as they retreated from key strategic locations.
According to reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman placed urgent calls to President Donald Trump, pleading for US air strikes to halt the Houthi advance. However, Trump refused, citing concerns about opening a second front in his war against Iran. Instead, he offered to beef up the U.S.-Saudi intelligence cell already in the country.
The Houthis continued their push, eventually capturing the strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance of the Red Sea. This waterway is now under Houthi control, forcing Saudi Arabia to find an alternative route for exporting its oil, a critical component of its economy.