Houthi strikes mark the end of Saudi Arabia’s Yemen ‘containment strategy’

Saudi Arabia’s effort to contain Yemen’s Houthis while focusing on growth at home is faltering, analysts say, as the group escalates attacks. The kingdom and its Yemeni allies have struggled to counter a Houthi offensive after the group declared a blockade on Saudi shipping. The conflict reignited after Saudi Arabia bombed Sanaa airport in July. Riyadh now faces pressure to respond, but escalation could damage its economy, while restraint risks emboldening the Houthis. Its local Yemeni partners remain divided and weak.