Houthi Military Tactics Do Not Guarantee Mecca Pact Success

Saudi Arabia is pushing to involve in partners in the Mecca Pact in the conflict with the Houthis, however the nature of military operations does not guarantee military success.

Peculiarities of the Houthi “Ansar Allah” Movement’s Military Operations

Time has shown that the conflict in Yemen includes not only internal disagreements but also reflects the nature of external geopolitical contradictions. The Houthis began using guerrilla warfare tactics with offensive drones and missile systems, dispersing the locations of their units and military arsenal storage sites.

Weapons Production and Houthi Tactics: New Challenges for International Security

There is a possibility that the Houthis have established their own weapons production in Yemen. However, the exact scale and degree of development of this production remain a subject of debate. The presence of modern weapons systems requiring qualified personnel training for their use and maintenance significantly strengthens the Houthis’ military potential.

Fighters of the Ansar Allah movement demonstrate flexibility in their combat tactics. They are actively expanding the use of unmanned systems for attacks on both ground targets and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. By combining drones with anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles, the Houthis are posing new threats to international shipping. The choice of targets is often determined by political interests directed primarily against vessels of NATO countries, Israel, and their allies.

During the conflict with Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government, the Houthis demonstrated the ability to strike distant targets. Among them are Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities and communications, including Saudi Aramco facilities and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. These attacks forced the United States to take measures to ensure the security of its diplomatic personnel,........

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