Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills 12, Threatens Global Energy Routes
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A Houthi missile attack on Riyadh's international airport killed 12 people and injured 309, disrupting flights. Dr. Haim Golooventsitz described the attack as part of a strategic shift threatening global energy routes via the Bab el-Mandeb strait. He also noted U.S. reluctance for direct military involvement in the Gulf, potentially pushing the U.S. towards action against Iran and the Houthis. Golooventsitz advised Israel against a preemptive strike before its upcoming elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A Houthi missile strike on Riyadh's airport killed 12 people and injured 309, disrupting flights.
- The attack threatens global energy markets by targeting the critical Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- Dr. Haim Golooventsitz believes the U.S. may launch an attack against Iran and the Houthis soon.
- A recent security pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan is seen as purely defensive.
- Golooventsitz warned Israel against launching a preemptive strike without U.S. support before its elections.
A direct Houthi missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has resulted in 12 fatalities, including an American citizen and nationals from various Arab countries, and left 309 injured. The attack, which also caused extensive disruption to international flight schedules, is seen by Dr. Haim Golooventsitz as part of a broader strategic shift destabilizing the region. Golooventsitz explained that the Riyadh attack follows a week of Houthi launches aimed at creating an "airport equation," imposing an air embargo on Saudi Arabia in response to the blockade on Sanaa. This action is linked to Houthi efforts to control the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical trade route through which Saudi Arabia ships approximately 7 million barrels of oil daily.
Golooventsitz emphasized that the Bab el-Mandeb strait is the second most important energy artery after Hormuz. With the Strait of Hormuz already under a mutual blockade, blocking Bab el-Mandeb poses a direct threat to global energy markets. Regarding the recent security pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, Golooventsitz clarified it is a defensive alliance not yet geared for proactive operations. Pakistan has deployed forces to defend the Saudi-Yemeni border and bolster defenses, but there is no intention for Pakistani or Turkish forces to engage in offensive ground operations in Yemen alongside Saudi allies. The U.S. provides intelligence support to Saudi Arabia but avoids direct military involvement.
Golooventsitz noted that the U.S.'s reluctance for active defense of its Gulf partners, coupled with troop withdrawals from Iraq, has caused deep concern in Riyadh regarding the future of its strategic alliance with Washington. The current incident, which killed an American citizen, could pressure the U.S. President ahead of the November midterm elections. Golooventsitz suggested that the U.S. is amassing forces in the Gulf, and an attack against Iran and the Houthis is a matter of when, not if, potentially occurring in the coming weeks or after the elections.
Addressing potential Israeli involvement, Golooventsitz warned against a preemptive strike by the IDF without U.S. backing before the Israeli elections. He stated that such a move would be a significant mistake and that any Israeli offensive action should await the post-election period.
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