With the escalation of attacks against the Houthis and growing concerns about the security of shipping in Bab al-Mandab, the role of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in developments in Yemen has become more prominent.

Ghassan Al-Ashour, a Middle East affairs analyst, pointed to the importance of controlling the coastline and radar equipment in Bab al-Mandab, saying that if Turkish and Pakistani ground forces enter Yemen, the balance of the fighting will change significantly.

Al-Ashour said that if Turkey and Pakistan send ground forces into Yemen, the balance of forces will shift.