Saudi Arabia Masses Troops on Border with Yemen Foreshadowing Possible Invasion

Saudi Arabia has moved troops and military equipment to its border with Yemen, suggesting the oil rich kingdom may soon intervene in that country's political situation, which have been chaotic and kinetic since a group of rebels known as Houthis overthrew the previous government.

Reuters reports that a "significant" amount of war material and men have been moved to the joint Saudi and Yemeni border. Of four officials interviewed by Reuters, two said the build up seemed defensive in nature, while two others said that the equipment at the border could be used for either defensive or offensive action.

Saudi intervention in national politics in countries on the Arabian Peninsula is not unprecedented. During the Arab Spring, Saudi Arabia sent troops to kill and disperse Shia protesters demanding greater rights from Bahrain's monarchy. The fact that the Houthis are Shia and have Iranian support makes the likelihood of Saudi intervention in Yemen even higher.

News of the troop buildup came just as reports began to spread that Houthi fighters had taken control of an airfield that was used by US forces. The New York Times reports that Houthi-backed media outlets have said the Houthis seized control of Al Anad Airbase.

The base was used for special operations and drone missions, but had to be abandoned as fighters from both the Houthis and Al Qaeda closed in on the base from opposite directions.