Riyadh airport and Aramco targeted as houthi strikes show saudi arabia faces yemeni rebels’ growing strength

Attacks reach Riyadh

In recent days, Houthi strikes have hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the headquarters of Saudi national oil company Aramco. Both sites are hundreds of miles from Yemen, and the airport attacks led to widespread flight cancellations.

At least 19 people have been killed, and school classes have been canceled. The disruption also threatens Saudi plans to become a global center for business, tourism and sports.

An expanding arsenal

The rebels possess ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, anti-ship weapons and naval drones. Their capabilities threaten Gulf states, Israel, oil facilities and vessels traveling through the Red Sea, a critical trade route.

A recent report said the Houthis sought Chinese-supplied parts used in precision-guided ballistic missiles with an estimated range of about 1,200 miles. U.N. experts have documented military ties between the group, Iran and Iran’s allies, while Iran denies supplying weapons in violation of a U.N. embargo.

Smuggled Iranian weapons and parts have been intercepted in shipments bound for Yemen. The Houthis also make much of their weaponry locally, often at lower cost than the advanced interceptors Saudi Arabia uses.

Saudi defenses under pressure

Saudi Arabia has U.S.-supplied aircraft and advanced missile defenses, but it has struggled to counter the latest attacks. Supplies of high-end interceptors are under pressure, leaving uncertainty over how long the kingdom can keep attacks at bay.

A long-running conflict

A U.N. experts’ report estimated the Houthis had recruited as many as 350,000 fighters by 2024, compared with 30,000 in 2015. Saudi Arabia and other countries have carried out air raids over the years, but the rebels have continued to strengthen their forces.