Why is Saudi Arabia unable to defeat Houthis?:US intelligence, advanced weapons also ineffective; rebels now demanding a share of oil, gas revenues

Saudi Arabia has fighter aircraft and missiles that are among the most advanced weapons in the world. The United States has also continued to support it with weapons and intelligence. Despite this, Saudi Arabia has been unable to defeat the Houthi rebels in Yemen. More than 10 years have passed since the conflict began in 2015, but the Houthis still control large parts of Yemen. They have the capability to launch drone and missile attacks deep inside Saudi Arabia. The situation has now reached a point where Saudi Arabia is having to spend money continuously on its security. The Houthis, meanwhile, are increasing pressure on it instead of retreating. The claim that the Houthis are demanding a share of the revenue from oil and gas is also linked to this conflict. The question is: why has Saudi Arabia been unable to defeat the Houthis despite having so much power? The Saudi-Houthi conflict has continued since 2015 Houthi rebels seized control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014. After this, Saudi Arabia joined several countries in launching a military operation against the Houthis in 2015. Saudi Arabia’s objective was to restore Yemen’s internationally recognised government to power and push back the Houthis. The Saudi-led coalition carried out continuous air strikes in Yemen. Despite this, the Houthis managed to retain their hold. The conflict is now no longer limited to Yemen. Houthi attacks have also increased pressure on the security of Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities, airports and sea routes. Even US weapons could not deliver victory Saudi Arabia has modern fighter aircraft, missiles and air defence systems supplied by the United States. The United States has also provided Saudi Arabia with military assistance and technical cooperation. Despite this, securing a decisive victory against the Houthis remains difficult. One reason is the cost of the weapons. The Houthis use relatively inexpensive drones and missiles. To intercept them, Saudi Arabia often has to use extremely expensive interceptor missiles. In other words, the Houthis, who carry out attacks at relatively low cost, can pressure Saudi Arabia to spend more on security. Yemen’s mountainous terrain also a major challenge for Saudi Arabia Much of Yemen is mountainous. Identifying the Houthis’ positions and eliminating them completely is not easy. Air strikes can damage these positions, but they do not end an organisation’s control over an entire area. The Houthis’ strong local foothold also helps them continue fighting for a long time. If Saudi Arabia has to launch a ground campaign to defeat them completely, it could face the risk of losing soldiers and being drawn into a prolonged war. Houthis accused of receiving support from Iran Saudi Arabia and its allies have long accused Iran of providing the Houthis with weapons and technical assistance. Iran and the Houthis portray these ties in different ways, but Iran’s role in the conflict remains a major issue fuelling regional tensions. Saudi Arabia also faces the challenge that action against the Houthis could widen the conflict. This could increase tensions not only in Yemen but across the region. Houthis seek a share of oil and gas revenues Yemen’s oil and gas revenues have long been a contentious issue between the government and the Houthis. The Houthis want revenue from oil and gas to be used to pay government employees’ salaries and meet other needs. They have also continued to demand a share of these revenues. The dispute affects more than just Yemen’s economy. Attacks on oil facilities and routes linked to exports could also put greater pressure on Saudi Arabia’s energy system and regional trade. Attacks on airports and oil facilities raise concerns Houthi attacks have recently targeted airports and oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The attacks have heightened concerns about the security of flights and the oil trade. Saudi Arabia has said it intercepted some of the missiles in the air. Saudi Arabia has several options: continuing military action against the Houthis, expanding its ground campaign in Yemen or seeking a negotiated settlement. But each course carries risks. ​