India, Oct. 12 -- As the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis continues to escalate, certain reports have surfaced, which claim that while Riyadh can afford a war with the Yemeni militant group, it may not be enough to defeat them.

In the latest development, the Houthis struck Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and injuring 309. This strike also marked a major escalation in the conflict between the two rivals.

As per the defense economics researcher, Military Spend, Saudi Arabia spent around $83.2 billion on its military in 2025, marking the world's eighth-largest defence budget.

Despite having the eighth-largest defence spending, the Gulf nation has been unable to contain th...