New reports in regional media across the Middle East suggest a major escalation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. As drones and missiles have been launched almost daily into Saudi territory since September, a new report says Houthi militants effectively leading ground force incursions.
In a development that has been largely ignored, “the Houthis have launched several cross-border raids in Saudi Arabia in recent monthspart of an expansion of the conflict beyond Yemen, a Western and Arab official with direct knowledge of the raids told Middle East Eye. »
“THE small-scale raids targeted border posts in the rugged and mountainous southwest of Saudi Arabia,” the report continued, citing that at least one of the raids took place as recently as late October.
The Houthis “further appear to have captured specific small arms known to be used only by Saudi border security forces” – adds the report.
Surveillance equipment also appears to have been captured, according to observers. This is in addition to equipment already captured from the Saudi-backed government’s ground forces in Yemen, based in Aden.
Throughout the beginning of this week, Saudi authorities continued to announce interceptions of drones and sometimes missiles fired from Yemen.
In the meantime, the standard and high-profile events in the kingdom continue to be canceleddue to the fallout from Yemen and the ever-present threat of Houthi air attack.
“The Asian Football Confederation has postponed its flagship international tournament in Saudi Arabia until the end of 2027, with the Houthi militant attacks test kingdom’s ambitions to become a destination for major international events“, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
According to more via Bloomberg:
The decision to postpone the AFC Asian Cup – one of the most important international football competitions hosted by Saudi Arabia to date – follows “exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region”, the AFC said. said in a press release Tuesday. He cited “significant logistical complexities and travel disruptions.»
Dozens of major international events scheduled to take place in September, October and November have already been suspended or postponed. The war will likely cost Saudi Arabia billions in losses, including attacks on Aramco facilities.
By Zerohedge.com
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