Pakistan enters the war: Conflict with the Houthis

Pakistan’s involvement in airstrikes against the Houthis could expand the scale of the war in Yemen.

A senior Pakistani military official has confirmed to The New York Times that Pakistani fighter jets are participating in strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Another Pakistani official said Islamabad had no intention of joining ground operations, adding that the main focus was on countering threats posed by Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Pakistan’s entry into the conflict comes as Saudi Arabia intensifies its military operations against the Houthis. Riyadh’s use of Pakistan’s military capabilities in its fight against the Iran-backed Houthi movement could influence the course of the confrontation.

Until now, Islamabad had largely limited its role to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security. The participation of Pakistani fighter jets in combat operations now marks a shift in the country’s role in the conflict. The move also exposes Islamabad to additional risks. Retaliatory Houthi attacks could threaten Pakistani military forces and potentially strain relations with Iran.

Pakistan’s participation in air operations could increase pressure on the Houthis’ missile and drone capabilities. However, it remains unclear whether this will change the outcome of the war. The Houthis’ capacity to retaliate and the duration of the operations remain key questions.

If Islamabad expands its involvement, the conflict could evolve from a confrontation between two sides into a broader regional war. Pakistan’s main challenge will be to maintain a balance between providing military support to Riyadh and becoming more deeply embroiled in the war.