Houthi attacks undermine Saudi Arabia's economic and security standing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 15:20 · Archive

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis are attacking Saudi Arabia's oil facilities and airports, threatening its economic ambitions and regional leadership.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis are escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia's strategic assets. The militia targeted Aramco, the state-owned oil company, in Dhahran on Tuesday, and vowed to continue assaults on airports and oil facilities. A cruise missile was intercepted over Medina on Thursday. Following attacks on King Khalid International Airport that killed more than a dozen people and injured more than 300, several airlines suspended flights to Riyadh and the airport was expected to remain closed through at least 17 October.

The attacks are undermining Saudi Arabia's efforts to position itself as a safe investment hub and economic powerhouse. The country's Future Investment Initiative, an economic summit that usually draws foreign leaders and business figures, plans to offer only remote participation instead of hosting attendees on site. Timothy E. Kaldas, deputy director of the Washington-based Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, told DW that the hostilities 'challenge Riyadh's image of stability and security' and 'threaten Riyadh's efforts to diversify the economy', which depend on tourists viewing the kingdom as safe.

Houthi attacks undermine Saudi Arabia's economic and security standing — Image: The Japan Times

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How it is being reported

Houthi attacks on strategic Saudi assets threaten Riyadh's regional leadership and economic ambitionsAs Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis continue to target Saudi Arabia, Riyadh's vulnerability threatens its claim on regional and religious leadership — as well as its standing as an economic powerhouse.DW News · 16 Oct, 15:03
How are Yemen’s Houthis attacking Saudi Arabia so effectively?Attacks are shattering the illusion of Saudi Arabia as a safe investment hub as it tries to attract foreign money and diversify away from oil.The Japan Times · 16 Oct, 02:53

In this story: Saudi Arabia · Yemen · Houthis · Iran · Aramco · Mecca · Medina · Riyadh

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