Riyadh on Alert After Explosions; Yemen's Anti-Houthi Forces Face Scrutiny

Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, experienced a tense period following reported explosions that prompted emergency alerts and disrupted local flights. The cause of the blasts remains unclear, but the incident has heightened concerns amid the ongoing conflict with Houthi rebels. This development comes as Yemen's anti-Houthi forces are undergoing a critical assessment following a sudden military collapse that saw significant territorial losses, including the entire west coast falling into Houthi hands.

The inquest into the rout is examining issues of coordination and morale among the anti-Houthi brigades, with some politicians alleging that substantial sums of money may have been offered to persuade forces to abandon their positions. The focus is now on reorganizing these forces, representing the UN-recognized Yemeni government, to secure strategic locations like the Kahbob mountains. This move is crucial for preventing further Houthi advances towards the vital Bab al-Mandab strait, a key maritime chokepoint.