U.S. Airstrikes Intensify in Yemen as Yemeni Forces Prepare for Ground Assault
The U.S. is intensifying airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, as the Yemeni government prepares to mobilize 80,000 soldiers for a ground offensive aimed at reclaiming the Red Sea coastline. Key battlefields include the port city of Hodeidah, where U.S. control over vital shipping routes complicates Houthi defense efforts. The potential for renewed fighting is rapidly increasing, according to regional experts.
In a significant escalation, the United States is conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions in northwestern Yemen, while the official Yemeni government, supported by allies, is rallying forces to reclaim the Red Sea coastline. This projected military offensive may lead to intensified clashes over the strategically vital port city of Hodeidah, a key battleground in Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, the head of the Gulf Research Center, indicated that the Houthis have faced substantial losses due to recent U.S. actions. He noted that the Yemeni government is mobilizing approximately 80,000 soldiers to retake territories, potentially aided by U.S. drone surveillance and air cover. Dr. Sager expressed that while a political solution remains desirable, the likelihood of a military resolution is increasing.
Farea al-Muslimi, a fellow at Chatham House, observed signs of preparation for renewed ground combat, focusing on regions near Al Jawf, Sada, and Taiz. He assessed that the coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE is equipping its forces in anticipation of ground troop deployment, suggesting that fighting may resume imminently.
The Houthis’ previous attempts to secure the coastal area are now complicated by U.S. control over maritime access to Hodeidah, which is crucial for fuel supplies in western Yemen. Reports from Houthi sources indicate that recent U.S. airstrikes have resulted in casualties, with claims of six deaths and 30 injuries in a single day.
The Houthis also announced that they downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, although U.S. Central Command has neither confirmed nor denied this event. The Central Command emphasized ongoing operations against Houthi targets, although details on specific strikes remain sparse.
The situation in Yemen is rapidly evolving as U.S. military actions intensify against Houthi positions, coinciding with the Yemeni government’s preparation for a ground offensive aimed at reclaiming the Red Sea region. While challenges remain, particularly concerning the defense capabilities of the Houthis, the potential for renewed armed conflict appears imminent, raising significant implications for the region’s stability. Both military preparations and ongoing airstrikes highlight the complexity of the conflict and the urgent need for a stable resolution.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
