Riyadh says six injured in Iran-backed rebel attack, two soldiers killed in helicopter crash; Egyptian parliament postpones vote on aiding Saudi effort as Houthis issue threats

Egyptian leader says his armed forces are ready to assist Saudi Arabia 'if requested'; also announces that he won't seek another presidential term in 2030

Saudis say they shot down missile over Medina; Houthis also fire ballistic missiles at Yemeni city of Marib

The Middle East has seen many explosions of violence in recent years. But while the US-Iran war has grabbed the headlines this year, the rapidly escalating conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Saudi Arabia risks becoming just as consequential for the region. The complexity of Yemen’s internal conflict cannot be underestimated. […]

The post How Yemen’s renewed civil war could set the whole region ablaze appeared first on Asia Times.

When Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed to a mutual defense pact in August, it was principally seen as a political commitment. The “Mecca alliance,” as it was dubbed, stipulated that an armed attack on one would be treated as an attack on all three, accompanied by deeper military cooperation. That pact is no longer […]

The post Baptism of Houthi fire for Mecca mutual defense pact appeared first on Asia Times.