Summary:
Since March, President Donald Trump’s military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen has cost the U.S. over $1 billion, including thousands of bombs and missiles, multiple drone losses, and two fighter jets. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have continued their operations, managing recent attacks on international targets, including Israel’s main airport.
On Tuesday, Trump announced a surprise agreement to suspend U.S. strikes against the Houthis in exchange for the group’s promise to halt attacks on U.S. vessels. This deal, brokered partially through Oman, raises questions about its longevity and broader implications, particularly given the context of escalating regional tensions from the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
The Pentagon’s operations under Trump’s administration, termed Operation Rough Rider, aimed to degrade Houthi capabilities but faced challenges, including drone losses that hindered damage assessments. The financial toll includes extensive expenditure on munitions and logistical costs for deploying missile defense systems to the region.
Critics argue that neither the Trump nor the Biden administrations have been capable of mounting a long-term, effective strategy against the Houthis. While the latest deal may justify a withdrawal of U.S. military operations, experts believe that it will not fundamentally alter the Houthi’s disruptive behavior or resolve the ongoing Yemeni civil war. The consensus among U.S. officials is that even if attacks on U.S. ships cease, the Houthis will likely continue their aggression toward Israel and other targets, affecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Overall, the situation remains complex, underscored by a lack of clarity on the next steps in U.S.-Houthi relations and the broader implications for regional stability.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
