How will Saudi Arabia deal with the Houthis?

Fighting between Yemen’s Ansarullah (Houthi) movement and Saudi Arabia has escalated after the Houthis launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh — an action not seen since a 2022 ceasefire. The group, described in reporting as backed by Iran, has warned it will respond to any Saudi escalation with further attacks of its own, signalling a potential cycle of reprisals. Saudi officials have indicated they will respond forcefully: one quoted line describes a forthcoming "very sizeable Saudi response" to Houthi strikes. The situation has attracted external attention, with Turkey publicly expressing support for Saudi security and saying it stands ready to meet Riyadh’s defence needs, according to the Turkish foreign minister. Analysts on the programme highlighted that the stand-off reflects long-standing antagonisms between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia that date back years of cross-border raids and military interventions. At the same time, they warned that renewed direct exchanges between the two sides raise the prospect of the conflict widening beyond Yemen’s borders, particularly if regional powers increase their involvement. Stopping the attacks, guests said, would likely require either a renewed ceasefire agreement acceptable to both sides or diplomatic pressure from regional and international actors to prevent further escalation. As of the reporting, the Houthis have vowed more strikes if they perceive Saudi escalation, while Riyadh has signalled it will deliver a significant military response.