Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Escalation, Strategic Pressure, and Regional Implications

This Insight by Dr Tughral Yamin examines the strategic objectives behind recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities and airports. It explores how these strikes could raise the costs of Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen, undermine confidence in its airspace and disrupt its economic ambitions. The analysis outlines possible escalation scenarios, including wider maritime insecurity around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Importantly, it highlights Pakistan’s challenge of supporting Saudi Arabia’s territorial defense while avoiding offensive involvement in Yemen and preserving its potential role as a mediator.