Yemen's Houthi Conflict: Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and the Fight for Bab el-Mandeb

This BBC Global Story episode examines the renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen, recent attacks on Saudi infrastructure, and why the United States has not committed to joining Saudi retaliatory strikes. BBC correspondent Asma Khalid speaks with senior international correspondent No'el Makhoul, who recently reported from Yemen, about the military, political, and humanitarian dimensions of the war.

■ Recent escalation and attacks
- Houthi missile and drone strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and other targets in October, including casualties and Houthi claims of responsibility.
- Houthi takeover of Mocha and Bab el-Mandeb, the Yemeni government offensive, and Saudi support for Yemeni forces.

■ Who the Houthis are and Iran's role
- Origins in Saada, growth after the Arab Spring, alliance with Ali Abdullah Saleh, control of Sana'a, and evolving military capacity.
- Relationship with Iran, including overlapping objectives, and why the Houthis are described as more than a simple Iranian proxy.

■ U.S.-Saudi relations and policy shifts
- Decades of U.S. security support, intelligence sharing, arms sales, and Saudi reliance on U.S. protection.
- Obama-era support tied to the Iran nuclear deal, congressional pressure over civilian casualties, Trump-era embrace of Saudi Arabia, Biden-era limits on offensive support, and the 2022 ceasefire.

■ Humanitarian and ground realities
- Reporting from Taiz on frontline conditions, civilian casualties, children affected by the war, hospital scenes, siege dynamics, and decisions about escape.

■ Strategic outlook
- Saudi Arabia's difficult position, Houthi emboldenment, control of regional shipping chokepoints, and questions about the sustainability of short-term policy approaches.

This episode is suited to viewers seeking an expert-led overview of the Yemen war's current phase and its regional implications. After watching, viewers will have a clearer understanding of the Houthis, the limits of Saudi military strategy, the shifting U.S. role, and the humanitarian stakes. It may be useful for those following Middle East geopolitics, U.S. foreign policy, or humanitarian reporting.