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Houthi Advance Exposes Saudi Vulnerabilities, Emboldens Iran in Yemen
The Houthis, an armed group in Yemen, captured important territory near a major sea passage.
This was a serious setback for Saudi Arabia, which supports forces fighting the Houthis.
Analysts said Saudi Arabia and its allies did not realize how prepared and numerous the Houthis had become.
Retreating forces also left behind weapons supplied by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The United States and European countries were not prepared to directly join a Saudi counterattack.
Saudi Arabia therefore sought help from Egypt.
The Houthis may now be able to pressure Saudi Arabia and influence shipping near the Red Sea.
The victory also appears to increase Iran’s influence through its regional allies.
The Houthis advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and captured islands overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Officials and analysts attributed the setback to divided Yemeni allies, limited Saudi air support, intelligence failures and underestimated Houthi preparations.
A diplomat estimated that the Houthis had assembled about 100,000 fighters, while retreating Saudi-backed forces abandoned advanced U.S. and Saudi weapons.
The United States and European countries were reportedly unwilling to provide direct military support, leaving Saudi Arabia seeking help from Egypt.
The gains could strengthen Iran’s regional influence and give the Houthis leverage over Red Sea shipping, Saudi oil exports and political negotiations.
- Who
- The Houthis, Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies, Iran, and potential regional and Western partners including Egypt, the United States and European countries.
- What
- The Houthis captured territory and islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, dealing Saudi Arabia a major setback.
- Where
- Along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, between Yemen and the African coast near Djibouti and Eritrea.
- When
- The advance occurred during the week of the report, published September 16.
- Why
- The setback was linked to divisions among anti-Houthi forces, an underestimated Houthi buildup, limited Saudi air support and intelligence failures.
Saudi and Western Security Concerns
Houthi Leverage and Demands
Military response
Saudi and Western Security Concerns
Saudi officials face pressure to reverse the Houthi gains, but a larger military response could trigger attacks deeper inside Saudi Arabia.
Houthi Leverage and Demands
The Houthis can use their territorial gains to consolidate control and increase pressure on Saudi Arabia.
Foreign involvement
Saudi and Western Security Concerns
Saudi Arabia is seeking regional backing, while Western officials say the United States and European countries are not prepared to provide direct military support.
Houthi Leverage and Demands
The lack of Western intervention leaves the Houthis with greater room to exploit their battlefield gains.
Political settlement
Saudi and Western Security Concerns
Dennis Ross said Saudi Arabia would find it difficult to accept the Houthis’ demands over ports, the airport, compensation and support for Yemen’s government.
Houthi Leverage and Demands
The Houthis appear to be using their military gains to seek broader political concessions from Riyadh.
Key facts
- Strategic location
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is described as a vital artery for global oil supplies and Red Sea shipping.
- Estimated Houthi force
- A diplomat estimated that the Houthis had quietly assembled about 100,000 fighters.
- Abandoned equipment
- Retreating Saudi-backed forces left behind advanced weapons supplied by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi response
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman traveled to Cairo to seek help containing the fallout.
- Possible Egyptian role
- Saudi Arabia reportedly wanted Egypt to participate in Red Sea operations, but no agreement was confirmed.
- Western position
- Two Western officials said the United States and European countries were not prepared to provide direct military backing.
- Houthi demands
- Former U.S. negotiator Dennis Ross said the Houthis sought fewer restrictions on Hodeidah port and Sanaa airport, war compensation and reduced Saudi support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Quotes
An unnamed diplomat
A diplomat familiar with the Houthi military buildup
“The Americans are saying No. That kind of understanding in the relationship between Riyadh and Washington has never been tested more than now.”
theprint.in
“Everyone, including the Saudis, missed this build-up and miscalculated the Houthis’ intentions.”
theprint.in
Sources
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