Two missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Riyadh’s international airport over the weekend have resulted in at least 14 deaths and hundreds of injuries, sparking strong condemnation in Saudi Arabia and raising questions about the regional security response. The strikes, which targeted a key gateway in the Saudi capital, have intensified concerns over the Houthis' growing influence along the Red Sea coast and the broader implications for Middle East stability.
The attacks have put Saudi Arabia in a precarious position. The rebel group, backed by Iran, has expanded its control over strategic locations including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. This development threatens not only Saudi interests but also international shipping lanes. Riyadh responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions, aiming to curb further arms shipments allegedly supplied by Iran.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has called for immediate military assistance from allies, including the United States. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration but hesitated to commit American forces to combat operations ahead of the upcoming congressional midterm elections. While affirming readiness to consider support, Trump’s administration appears cautious about deepening U.S. involvement, mindful of domestic opposition to expanded military engagements in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s recent strategic partnerships with Turkey and Pakistan have offered limited practical support. Despite formal alliances, neither country has signaled willingness to deploy troops or engage militarily against the Houthis, further emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s relative isolation in confronting the insurgents.
Experts indicate that the crisis partially stems from Riyadh’s uneven approach to the Yemeni civil war, marked by intermittent military action and attempts at negotiation since 2022. Saudi Arabia’s strained relationship with the United Arab Emirates, once a close partner in opposing the Houthis, has complicated coordinated efforts. The UAE’s own regional ambitions have introduced competitive dynamics, limiting the Gulf’s unified front against the rebels.
From the U.S. perspective, there is an ongoing debate about the extent and nature of assistance. Some officials argue that while providing a full military commitment is unfeasible, targeted support such as intelligence sharing, logistical aid, and munitions remains essential to bolster Saudi capabilities. They highlight the importance of offensive action to dismantle Houthi missile and drone infrastructure, which defensive measures alone cannot neutralize. Coordinated diplomatic efforts are also underway to strengthen a regional coalition that could include Israel and the UAE, aiming to counter Iran’s proxy forces in Yemen.
Criticism of past Western policies is common among observers who note that earlier restraint and humanitarian concerns led to missed opportunities to decisively weaken the Houthis. In 2021, U.S. support for anti-Houthi operations was reduced, and the group’s designation as a terrorist organization was lifted by the Biden administration to facilitate peace talks. However, these measures failed to curb Houthi rearmament and expansion.
Saudi Arabia’s $83 billion defense budget in 2025 reflects its capability to engage militarily, yet its political resolve to escalate the conflict remains uncertain. The recent attacks have also affected civilian life and business confidence in Riyadh, with cancellations of travel and planned international events.
The situation remains fluid. Riyadh is expected to respond with a significant military campaign to push back Houthi advances, which could provoke further Iranian involvement and destabilize the wider region. How far Saudi Arabia’s allies will support this effort—and how Washington balances its regional interests with domestic political considerations—will shape the trajectory of this conflict in the coming months.