Houthi blitz leaves Saudi Arabia exposed, Iran emboldened

AI Summary

The Houthi forces have captured strategic ground near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking a significant setback for Saudi Arabia in Yemen and revealing intelligence failures along with the collapse of local allies. This gain also strengthens Iran's regional influence and raises concerns given the strait's importance for global oil shipments.

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.