Ansar Allah says Saudi-backed forces have failed to break its hold near Bab el-Mandeb. As the coastal battle remains disputed, Sana’a is widening the conflict towards Saudi airports, oil infrastructure, shipping and transport networks, raising the cost of Riyadh’s renewed intervention in Yemen.
Middle East / Iran / Saudi Arabia
Public shipping maps make the Strait of Hormuz look almost deserted, but satellite imagery and specialist maritime tracking reveal a different picture. Saudi tankers are crossing with AIS switched off, Gulf oil is being transferred between ships outside the strait, and millions of barrels are still reaching world markets despite the war, raising questions about Iran’s remaining leverage over Washington.
The House of Saud built a durable state over older tribal, religious and regional loyalties. Could Yemen change the bargains that have held the kingdom together?
A century ago, British money, weapons and air power helped Abdulaziz ibn Saud defeat his rivals and consolidate the kingdom that bears his family’s name. Now Ansarallah’s advance from Yemen is exposing the older tribal and political landscape beneath the modern Saudi state.
Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Houthi advances in Yemen are testing its defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan. What have the partners promised, and how far are they prepared to go?
Pipeline attacks and Ansar Allah’s coastal advance have exposed Saudi Arabia’s alternative to Hormuz. Repairing the damage may prove easier than securing the route.