Saudi Arabia Left to Fight Houthi Threat Alone
As the Houthis continue to threaten global oil supplies, Saudi Arabia finds itself largely alone in dealing with the threat. Despite having built security alliances with the US and other regional powers, no one is rushing to aid Riyadh as it fends off attacks on its cities and critical pipelines and refineries.
The main reason for this reluctance appears to be concern about being on the receiving end of Iranian and Houthi retaliation. Analysts say that Gulf allies are hesitant to help Saudi Arabia at the risk of exposing their civilian and energy infrastructure to attacks.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked President Trump earlier this month to intervene and help quell the Houthi uprising, but the president declined to launch air strikes on the Yemen-based group. The US is set to sell 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but it would take several years before the kingdom can get its hands on the aircraft.
The Houthis have ramped up their attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, with the rebels firing ballistic missiles near Riyadh on Sunday. They are also demanding an end to the aerial and naval blockade imposed on them by the Saudi-backed forces in Yemen.