Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Testing the Limits of Strategic Resilience

This Insight by Dr Tughral Yamin examines the strategic and economic implications of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. It identifies five indicators that could prompt a stronger Saudi response, including aviation disruption, threats to energy infrastructure and declining international confidence. The analysis explores the limitations of military retaliation and recommends stronger defensive capabilities, calibrated deterrence and diplomatic engagement. It also highlights Pakistan’s challenge of supporting Saudi security while avoiding offensive involvement in Yemen and preventing wider regional escalation.