Why doesn't the US intervene to defend Saudi Arabia against the Houthis?

AI Summary

The US has expressed caution over escalating tensions in Yemen after Houthi missile attacks on Riyadh and significant territorial gains by the Iran-backed rebels. Despite Saudi Arabia being a close ally, the US is reluctant to intervene militarily against the Houthis.

The US cautioned against a rapidly escalating situation in Yemen after Houthi rebels carried out a missile attack on the Saudi capital. In recent weeks, the Iran backed militants have also seized large portions of Yemeni territory following clashes with Saudi-backed government forces. The US is a very close ally to Saudi Arabia. Yet, is visibly unwilling to intervene on its behalf – why? Details and analysis by H. A. Hellyer, senior fellow in geopolitics at the Royal United Institute in Cairo.