U.S. Defense Spending Fails to Protect Saudi Arabia From Houthi Strikes

WHO:

NBC News - Saudi Arabia, Houthi militants, Iran, UN experts, Brigadier General Majed al-Nazili, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Trump.

WHAT:

CNN - Saudi Arabia spent $83 billion on defense last year, ranking among the top ten military spenders worldwide.

CNN - The Houthis have launched missile strikes targeting Saudi airports, refineries, and pipelines.

CNN - The Houthis have combined ballistic and cruise missiles with long-range drones to overwhelm Saudi defenses.

CNN - The Houthis have modified Iranian air defense weapons to strike aircraft and cruise missiles.

CNN - The Houthis are demanding an end to Saudi airstrikes and billions in compensation from Saudi Arabia.

CNN - The Houthis have encircled the government-held city of Taiz, Yemen’s third largest city.

WHERE:

CNN - Saudi Arabia, specifically mentioning Riyadh and the main airport serving the capital.

CNN - Yemen, including Houthi-controlled areas and the mountainous terrain from which they launch attacks.

CNN - Red Sea, where the Houthis declared they would attack Saudi shipping.

WHEN:

CNN - The Houthis began their campaign of missile strikes in July.

CNN - A major investment event in Riyadh is scheduled for later this month.

WHY:

CNN - The Houthis' attacks are a response to Saudi airstrikes in support of government forces in Yemen.

CNN - The Houthis have a strong relationship with Iran, which has provided military support and training.

HOW:

CNN - Saudi Arabia has acquired advanced weaponry, including US fighter jets and Patriot and THAAD air defense systems.

CNN - The Houthis have learned to use a combination of missile types and drones to evade detection and interception.

CNN - Saudi defenses must detect, decide, and warn civilians of incoming threats within moments.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 19:08 UTC)

In a significant escalation of conflict, Houthi militants have launched a series of missile strikes targeting key infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports and refineries, as they demand an end to Saudi airstrikes and billions in compensation. The Houthis, who have encircled Yemen's third largest city, Taiz, have effectively combined ballistic and cruise missiles with long-range drones to challenge Saudi defenses, which have been bolstered by advanced weaponry from the U.S. This ongoing military confrontation is rooted in the Houthis' response to Saudi support for government forces in Yemen, with Iran providing them military support and training throughout the conflict.