Why are Houthi missiles breaking through Saudi Arabia’s air defences? | Drone Strikes News
Houthis Launch Attacks on Saudi Arabia Amid Intensifying Military Campaign
The Houthi movement, formally known as Ansar Allah, has escalated its military efforts against Saudi Arabia, employing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones to strike deep into the kingdom. Since the onset of their renewed campaign in September, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has been a frequent target.
A recent assault on the airport on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and left 309 injured, marking the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in over a decade. Following the incident, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority suspended airport operations and diverted all incoming flights. In response, the United States and the United Kingdom issued travel warnings for their citizens.
The Houthis also announced two prior attacks on the airport earlier in the week and warned the public to avoid all Saudi airports on Sunday.
Houthi Capability and Saudi Response
Despite being one of the world’s most technologically advanced militaries, Saudi Arabia’s defenses have been challenged by the Houthis. Saudi airstrikes have targeted Houthi positions throughout Yemen in an effort to assist the Yemeni government forces, whom Riyadh supports. The Houthis have significantly expanded their military capabilities since seizing control of Sanaa in September 2014, demonstrating accuracy with their missiles and drones in attacks that have reached as far as Israel.
The exact weapon type used in the recent airport attack remains unclear. However, reports indicate that the Houthis have conducted hundreds of drone and missile strikes against Saudi Arabia since the outset of the conflict. Their arsenal includes advanced medium-range ballistic missiles, such as the Palestine-2, and variants believed to be derived from Iranian technology.
Evolving Tactics and Challenges
The Houthis have adapted their combat strategies by coordinating their use of different types of drones and missiles to exploit vulnerabilities in air defense systems. This tactic has facilitated their recent battlefield successes in Yemen, particularly during a rapid offensive that enabled them to capture territory along the Red Sea coast.
Despite Saudi authorities claiming to have intercepted several Houthi missiles in recent days, they were unable to stop the projectile that struck the airport. Observers indicate that occasional breaches of Saudi air defenses should be expected, given the extensive length of the border with Yemen.
Analysts suggest that while Saudi Arabia has primarily focused its defenses against Iranian threats, it may need to reallocate resources in response to the increasing frequency of Houthi attacks.
Operational Limitations of the Houthis
While the Houthis have made notable gains, they operate under considerable constraints, including a United Nations-mandated arms embargo and a prolonged Saudi blockade. The true extent of the Houthi missile stockpile remains uncertain, raising questions about their ability to sustain consistent assaults while engaged in ground combat.
Experts note that while the Saudi-led coalition has the upper hand militarily, the Houthis are capable of generating significant media attention through targeted strikes. This visibility is magnified by Saudi Arabia’s global economic standing as a leading crude oil exporter.
Analysts believe that recent Saudi operations aimed at dismantling Houthi military infrastructure have already inflicted considerable damage. The Houthis may have a limited number of short-range missiles remaining, which could constrain their ability to conduct large-scale attacks. Instead, they might focus on strategic strikes against less-defended civilian targets to maximize the impact of their operations.
