Saudi Arabia's options in the face of the conquests, and the shock in Yemen: "They begged for help that never came"

Houthi rebels captured the strategic port city of Al-Mukha, Dubab, and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait within two days. A Yemeni government official told CNN he appealed to US Central Command for Saudi air support that was promised but never arrived. Saudi Arabia is weighing a military or diplomatic response, as Houthi control of the strait threatens global trade routes and energy markets.

Houthi rebels in Yemen completed a lightning takeover of the strategic port city of Al-Mukha, then moved south to capture Dubab and Perim Island, located directly in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A senior official in the legitimate Yemeni government told CNN that he contacted the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and received assurances that the US was closely monitoring the situation and that Saudi air support was on its way, but the support never arrived and Al-Mukha fell. Another Yemeni official blamed Saudi Arabia for a slow response and speculated that it may not have received a green light from the US to strike in Yemen. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged President Trump to attack the Houthis, but Trump refused to intervene. Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb, a critical maritime trade route connecting Asia to Europe, became even more critical after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz. The concern is that Houthi control will exacerbate turmoil in the energy market and strengthen Iran's bargaining position against the US. The article reviews the options facing Saudi Arabia: military escalation that could damage its energy infrastructure, or a diplomatic solution with the Houthis or Iran, both of which carry heavy demands.

Saudi Arabia's options in the face of the conquests, and the shock in Yemen: "They begged for help that never came"