Saudi Arabia turns to deterrence as Houthi threats escalate

From the report

Saudi Arabia is increasingly convinced that diplomacy alone cannot contain the Houthi movement in Yemen. Following a renewed wave of missile and drone attacks, the Kingdom is pursuing a strategy that combines military deterrence with continued diplomatic engagement, aiming to protect its territory, secure vital shipping routes and prevent the Iran-aligned group from expanding its regional influence.

The latest escalation has reinforced Riyadh’s view that a lasting political settlement will require more than negotiations. It will also require conditions that prevent the Houthis from using military pressure and threats to extract concessions from Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

On October 23, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced that it had intercepted a ballistic missile directed toward Riyadh and two drones targeting the Kingdom’s southern region. The announcement followed attacks on strategic locations, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. A separate attempted strike on the Shaybah oil field was also intercepted, although falling debris reportedly caused casualties. Oil production remained unaffected.