Higher Saudi military commanders have met with military commanders and officials from “friendly” nations to devise an advanced strategy to deal with the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen should they carry out attacks against civilian and economic infrastructure of Arab coalition states. Asharq Al-Awsat learned that the strategy includes launching “painful military operations and strikes” against militia leaders. Houthi leaders who have been obstructing a political solution in Yemen will be specific targets. Their headquarters and interests could be attacked in the strikes. The strategy is based on the possibility that the Houthis may carry out Iran’s orders to drag Yemen and its people in a battle that will not do them any good. Contacted by Asharq Al-Awsat, a Saudi official refused to comment on the “internal strategies or understandings between the Kingdom and friendly nations.” He stressed that Riyadh is committed to all political and military processes and the efforts of UN envoy Martin Griffiths to reach a comprehensive political solution between Yemeni parties based on the three references and returning Yemen to the Arab fold.