Houthis' Yemen Advances Expose Saudi Arabia's Vulnerability
Saudi Arabia's southern border is increasingly being threatened by the escalating conflict in Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthis are fighting against Saudi-backed government forces. The Houthis have launched a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, injuring over 100 people since July and targeting key infrastructure such as oil shipping routes and the East-West pipeline.
The conflict has exposed a new level of vulnerability for Saudi Arabia, with its economy heavily reliant on oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthi advances in southern Yemen have also put pressure on global oil supplies, lending more leverage to Iran in its war with the United States.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is facing a dilemma as he tries to balance deterrence and diplomacy in the region. He has phoned US President Donald Trump for military aid to fight the advancing Houthis but was only offered intelligence support. The recently signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan remains untested.