Saudi Arabia Prepares for New War with Houthi Rebels
After several weeks of Houthi attacks on Saudi ships, airports, and oil facilities, Saudi Arabia appears to be preparing for a new war against this group. According to analysts, a complete military defeat of the Houthis is unlikely.
Consensus
- Saudi Arabia is preparing to resume large-scale conflict with the Houthi movement in Yemen.
- Tensions have escalated due to several weeks of Houthi attacks on Saudi ships, airports, and oil facilities.
- Saudi Arabia prefers a peaceful scenario but is ready to respond with airstrikes if escalation continues.
- The goal of Saudi Arabia is likely to weaken the Houthi movement and force it into negotiations on more favorable terms.
- The Houthi movement has responded with missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and vessels in the Red Sea.
- Saudi Arabia is strengthening coordination among anti-Houthi forces and supplying them with modern weapons.
- The conflict may further escalate regional tensions, particularly involving Iran, a key Houthi ally.
- The potential war poses risks to Saudi Arabia's economy, energy infrastructure, and development plans.
Points of divergence
- On August 24, Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile attack on the Saudi-owned oil tanker Amzan in the northern part of the Red Sea. — vedomosti
- On August 20, Houthi forces attacked a Saudi Aramco facility in Najran with a drone, in response to Saudi aircraft violations of Yemeni airspace in the Saada province. — vedomosti
- On August 16, Houthi forces used drones to attack a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jizan as retaliation for Saudi aircraft entering Yemeni airspace in Saada and Hadhramaut provinces. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- NYT: Saudi Arabia prepares for a new large-scale war with the Houthis — Ведомости
- Saudi Arabia prepares for new war with Houthis, media reports — Вести