The Trump administration has announced plans for a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, reports CNBC. Many lawmakers are concerned about the sale of the high tech F-35’s because of the ties between China and Saudi Arabia.
The deal comes as Iranian-backed Houthi rebel terrorists in Yemen are escalating their attacks on the Saudis, seeking control of the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
As NPR reports, they recently seized the important Red Sea port of Mokha, which threatens Saudi Arabia’s oil exports.
Along with the reignition of Yemen’s civil war, this has led to an increase in global fuel prices, which Iran could potentially use as leverage against the U.S.
The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump called off an air strike against the Houthis as the last minute despite pleas from Saudi Arabia, but Reuters hasn’t been able to verify their claim. Meanwhile, Houthi fighters continue fighting to cut off Saudis from the Red Sea coast.
Kirk Lippold is a retired Navy commander. He commanded the USS Cole when it was attacked by terrorists while in port in Yemen. He says Mokha is a lifeline for the Houthis.
“That port is the last major Yemeni port next to the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb at the southern end of the Red Sea. That is the choke point by which the Houthi rebels can exercise greater control,” Lippold explains.
“I think, sadly," he continues, "what it really does show is that, once again, Saudi Arabia, supporting the legitimate government of Yemen, have been unable to hold territory.”
For example, Houthi rebels were able to take the capital of al-Jawf province in Yemen, while The Washington Institute states Saudi Arabia failed to support its frontline troops.
Around the world, Saudi Arabia ranks No. 8 for military spending with an annual budget of $83 billion.
Lippold says just having oil isn't enough these days.
“You have to be able to exercise a degree of control, exercise power in an effective manner, to make sure that the Middle East gets stabilized. As long as Saudi Arabia is unwilling to confront Iran and its proxies and do it directly, then Saudi Arabia is worthless, and we need to reconsider our relationship with that country,” Lippold states.
