Houthi blitz leaves Saudi Arabia exposed, Iran emboldened

AI Summary

The Houthi militia's recent seizure of strategic positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in Yemen marks a significant setback for Saudi Arabia, revealing intelligence failures and weakening of allied groups. This advance threatens a critical global oil shipping route and is seen as an expansion of Iranian influence in the region.

By Samia Nakhoul and Timour Azhari ANKARA, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The Houthi capture of ground overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has dealt Saudi Arabia its gravest setback in Yemen in years, exposing intelligence failures, the collapse of Yemeni allies and the limits of U.S. protection. A Houthi advance this week along the Red Sea coast and the capture of islands at the mouth of the strait, a vital artery for global oil supplies, has also left the kingdom scrambling for backing as Iran and its allies expand their reach.