Saudi Arabia Houthi Attacks Expose Military Limitations
The saudi arabia houthi attacks have entered a risky new phase, with deadly missile and drone strikes on the kingdom’s capital and oil infrastructure exposing the limitations of one of the world’s largest defense spenders. The Wall Street Journal reports that the escalation has laid bare gaps in Riyadh’s armed forces just as the war in Yemen flares back to life.
Saudi Arabia’s military is equipped with advanced fighters and air-defense systems from the U.S. and other suppliers. But the Houthis have proved an especially resilient foe, using plentiful ground forces and home-built missile and drone production to counter Saudi strengths, analysts told the Journal.
Interceptor Shortage
On the ground, Riyadh relies on fractious militias loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government to do the fighting, with Saudi jets and attack helicopters providing air support. The air-defense effort is hamstrung by a shortage of interceptors needed to shoot down incoming Houthi missiles — and by the reluctance of key allies, including the United States, to provide direct military assistance.
Washington has so far limited its help to intelligence and other indirect support. On Friday, President Trump urged Saudi Arabia to accept military help from Israel against the Houthis. Riyadh, which has an extensive behind-the-scenes security relationship with Israel but no formal diplomatic ties, has not publicly responded to the suggestion.
New Allies Step In
Instead, the kingdom has turned to Turkey, Pakistan, and several European countries for air-defense units and other military assistance. On Sunday, Egypt said it was prepared to provide military help, according to a statement from President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi’s spokesman.
Iran has helped the Houthis mount the sophisticated strikes, providing targeting assistance for drone and missile attacks along with training, intelligence, and tactical guidance, the Journal reported. The latest fighting shattered a four-year truce and follows a series of recent strikes, including a Houthi attack on two Saudi airports and an assault in the strait that wounded 12 mariners aboard the Panama-flagged vessel MT On Peace.
Source: Wall Street Journal