Houthi attacks deepen Saudi Arabia’s security and economic dilemma

Houthi attacks and advances in Yemen are increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia’s security, oil-export routes and economic plans. Analysts cited by DW say Riyadh must combine military deterrence with continued diplomacy while facing limited outside support and growing domestic sensitivities over the conflict.

Saudi Arabia is facing mounting pressure as the conflict with Iran-backed Houthi forces in neighboring Yemen threatens both its security and economic interests, according to Deutsche Welle. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia injured 13 people on Monday night, bringing the reported number injured since the conflict escalated in July to about 100.

The fighting has also affected routes used to export Saudi oil. In July, the Houthis blocked Saudi shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which had served as an alternative route while Iran restricted access to the nearby Strait of Hormuz. A separate attack allegedly damaged Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which stretches 1,200 kilometers across the kingdom to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Officials said repairs could take weeks.

Neil Quilliam of Chatham House told DW that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was trying to protect national security while pursuing economic development. Quilliam said the Houthis were increasingly capable of threatening both objectives. Although Saudi Arabia has a highly advanced military, he said Riyadh was reluctant to return to an expensive military campaign after its coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015. The war eased in 2022 after a United Nations-brokered truce.

Sebastian Sons of the German Middle East Research Center said Saudi Arabia needed to demonstrate that Houthi attacks had crossed a red line, while preserving communication channels for negotiations and de-escalation. The latest attacks are aimed at pressuring Riyadh to end air and sea blockades on Houthi-held areas, which have not been fully lifted, the source reported.

Houthi advances in southern Yemen, including reported seizures of port cities and Perim Island, have increased concern over shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb. Maritime firm Kpler recorded 21 commodity vessels passing through the strait on Monday, compared with roughly 30% of global container traffic before the crisis, according to DW.

Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from its allies. Three sources told Reuters that Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump for military aid, but was offered intelligence support for now. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan has not been activated. At home, analysts said the conflict risks undermining expectations for jobs, housing and economic progress, as well as the stability needed for Vision 2030, Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Rights groups also say authorities have responded harshly to criticism of Saudi policy.