Behind the Scenes of the Resurgence of War Between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis
NYN | Reports and analyses
After years of war in Yemen and faltering attempts to achieve peace, Saudi Arabia has returned to the path of escalation following the shift in American policy with the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This shift brings back to the forefront questions about the Kingdom’s ability to bear the consequences of any new military adventure amid growing economic threats.
Saudi Arabia’s Retreat from the Path of Peace
In 2019, there were signs that Saudi Arabia was seeking peace in Yemen, driven by international pressure and escalating security threats from the Houthis, as well as the White House’s failure at the time to protect the Saudi economy.
However, with Trump’s return to the White House, it appears that the Kingdom has found political and military support encouraging it to adopt new military policies toward Sana’a.
This retreat from the path of peace places Saudi Arabia before significant economic and strategic challenges, especially with the continuous growth of the military capabilities of the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
The Houthis and the Escalation of Threats
The development of the Houthis’ (Ansar Allah) military arsenal since 2019 has made them a regional force that cannot be ignored. The drones and hypersonic missiles they possess now threaten not only vital installations within Saudi Arabia but also the stability of the global economy, as seen in the attack on Aramco facilities, which happened in the blink of an eye.
Today, the Houthis are capable of targeting any point within the Kingdom, making the cost of any Saudi military adventure extremely high.
Escalation with the Houthis (Ansar Allah) means exposing Saudi infrastructure and the oil sector to enormous risks, which could exacerbate the crises facing the Saudi economy, already grappling with challenges related to fluctuating oil prices and ambitious economic reforms.
Trump and the Adventure of Escalation
With Trump’s return to the presidency, his administration pledged full support to Saudi Arabia, both militarily and politically. However, this support may push the Kingdom to make risky decisions, such as continuing the war or escalating military operations against Sana’a.
On the other hand, any military adventure would weaken regional stability and threaten the major economic projects that Saudi Arabia is betting on to achieve its Vision 2030. The costs of the war in Yemen have exceeded expectations, and any additional escalation could deepen the Kingdom’s financial crises, subjecting it to greater international and economic pressures.
The return of Saudi Arabia to escalation with the Houthis (Ansar Allah), backed by the Trump administration, represents a dangerous gamble that could cost the Kingdom dearly. With the Houthis’ persistent threats and precise strikes, along with internal economic challenges, the pressing question arises: Can Riyadh afford the cost of this adventure in a turbulent global economy and a highly complex regional environment? The coming days will provide the answer.
