After the attack on Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is divided on the next steps against the Houthis

The Saudi leadership is divided on the next steps against the Houthis following the unusual attack on Riyadh. The Foreign Minister is pushing for a diplomatic solution, while the Defense Minister demands a military move. Riyadh is struggling to recruit partners and make a decision.

The Saudi leadership is divided on the next steps to take against the Houthis, following the unusual attack on the capital Riyadh. According to a source in the pro-Saudi forces in Yemen, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan is pushing for a diplomatic solution and even a ceasefire agreement. In contrast, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, the brother of the Crown Prince, is pushing for a military move that would restore territories lost by pro-Saudi forces in battles in the Bab el-Mandeb area. He says a ceasefire now against the Houthis would be a catastrophe. Riyadh is struggling to recruit additional regional and international partners for the confrontation. In recent days, Tarek Saleh, a prominent commander of pro-Saudi forces whose men lost the western coastal strip near Bab el-Mandeb, has been staying in Riyadh. The talks indicate preparations for a more significant attack. Yesterday, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed they thwarted Saudi malicious operations in Sanaa. In response, Riyadh entered the Houthi fire circle for the first time since the resumption of the conflict, with reports of a hit on an Aramco tank and thick smoke near the airport.