Egyptian strategic expert Dr. Mohamed Majed Zayat has warned that the ongoing military operations on the Saudi-Yemen front are witnessing dangerous and unprecedented developments. The escalation of military confrontations and the expansion of airstrikes have raised concerns about the security and stability of the region. Zayat, a strategic expert and academic advisor at the Egyptian Center for Thought and Political and Strategic Studies, emphasized that targeting civilian airports and facilities by Houthi militia represents a significant transformation in the nature of the conflict.
According to Zayat, the Houthi group's attacks on Saudi airports are a serious escalation that goes beyond the rules allowed in wars. He stressed that civilian airports are protected under international humanitarian law, and that the deliberate targeting of civilian facilities and the fall of civilian casualties as a result of these attacks could be considered war crimes. Zayat also pointed out that the Houthis' change in military objectives and their resort to targeting civilian facilities came after they announced that navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait was open to ships of all countries.
The Houthi group's leader had previously stated that they would not target ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, except for those heading to or from Saudi Arabia. However, with the intensification of military strikes against the Houthis, the group has changed its strategy and begun targeting Saudi airports. Zayat believes that this transformation reflects an attempt to expand the scope of military and economic pressures on Saudi Arabia. He also noted that the Houthis' targeting of airports reveals their understanding of the Saudi defense capabilities and the procedures taken to protect key strategic targets.
Zayat highlighted the presence of various military forces on Saudi territory, including French, Italian, and Pakistani forces, in addition to Egyptian military forces participating in air defense. He stressed that the presence of these forces does not necessarily mean that they will be used to launch attacks outside the kingdom's borders. According to Zayat, the declared goal of the coalition is to defend Saudi territory and enhance its ability to confront threats.
The Egyptian expert warned that the continuation of the war in this manner poses significant risks, not only to Saudi Arabia's internal stability but also to the entire Arab national security. He emphasized that the Arab national security concept has become the "absent truth" in dealing with current developments. Zayat called for a collective Arab response to address the escalating threats and stressed the need for coordination between countries concerned with Red Sea security.
Zayat pointed out that Iran's role in the conflict is crucial, as it is the primary sponsor of the Houthi group. He warned that Iran's actions in the region should not be considered in isolation from the overall conflict. According to Zayat, Iran's military and economic pressures have led it to mobilize its regional proxies, including the Houthis in Yemen. He also noted that the decline of Hezbollah's military capabilities in Lebanon has led Iran to focus more on the Houthis.
Zayat emphasized that the Bab al-Mandab Strait's significance surpasses that of the Strait of Hormuz for countries bordering the Red Sea. He stressed the need for coordination between countries concerned with Red Sea security to address the escalating threats. Zayat called for dialogue with Iran through neutral parties to contain the escalation and reduce Houthi movements. He also warned that the continuation of the conflict not only threatens Saudi Arabia but also the stability of the region and the economic interests of all Red Sea-bordering countries.
Key points
- Houthi attacks on Saudi airports could be considered war crimes
- Egypt's Dr. Mohamed Majed Zayat warns of escalating conflict in Yemen
- The conflict in Yemen poses significant risks to Arab national security and the region's stability
