Saudi Arabia's Two-Front War with Iran-Backed Houthis

Saudi Arabia is facing a mounting crisis as it struggles to defend itself against attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi militias in Yemen. The kingdom's oil company, Saudi Aramco, had been raking in profits thanks to its East-West Pipeline, which allowed crude exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

However, this pipeline is now disabled due to a drone attack from Iraq-based Iran-aligned militias. Houthi missiles and drones have also been hitting Saudi Arabian cities, with one even shot down over Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.

The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca, but the incident has heightened tensions for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is now fighting a two-front war: its allies in Yemen are trying to beat back a Houthi offensive, while Saudi security forces are fending off missile and drone attacks at home.