Saudi Arabia has recently moved towards hiring mercenaries from Blackwater to strengthen its forces in the Yemen war. This decision was made following the failures of the Saudi army and Riyadh-affiliated groups on the battlefield, and it reflects the weakness of forces aligned with Saudi Arabia in the face of advances by the Ansar Allah forces in Yemen.
Recruitment of mercenaries and foreign forces
The specialized website Intelligence Online has reported that Saudi parties have recently contacted consultants who previously worked on recruiting private sector forces to bolster the Saudi army's auxiliary forces. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has employed South American mercenaries, particularly Colombians, to strengthen its forces. This news outlet also noted that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have utilized Colombian mercenaries from Blackwater and other foreign forces in the Yemen war.
Increased demand for military services
The Saudi government has expanded its military and security measures to counter the intensifying attacks and advances of the Ansar Allah forces, requesting assistance from its Western allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. These requests, along with the increased supply of weapons to Saudi-affiliated forces in Yemen, indicate Riyadh's efforts to regain control over areas occupied by Ansar Allah.
The use of foreign forces and mercenaries may well reflect Saudi Arabia's inability to ensure security and control the situation in Yemen. This approach is particularly significant given that the Yemen war has become one of the longest and most costly wars in the Middle East. Despite extensive efforts, Saudi Arabia has been unable to achieve tangible victories on the ground, which may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Alongside these developments, Saudi Arabia may face domestic and international criticism regarding the use of mercenaries and foreign forces. Such criticisms could impact the international credibility of the Saudi government and ultimately lead to further complexities in the Yemen war.
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