US Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen: Assessment of Impact and Iranian Influence
The United States conducted five airstrikes on Houthi targets in Hodeidah, Yemen, amid ongoing concerns about their effectiveness. Evaluations suggest that the Houthi capabilities remain largely unaffected, and Iran is reportedly reducing its support for the Houthis to mitigate direct confrontations with the US.
On Sunday, the United States launched five airstrikes on Houthi targets located in the port city of Hodeidah in western Yemen. This action was reported by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, referencing local Houthi sources. The previous strikes by the US against this Yemen-based terror group occurred on the preceding Tuesday, as confirmed by US Central Command.
Earlier reports indicated that in late March, Yemeni media cited a total of 24 airstrikes targeting Houthi-held cities, including Sana’a, Saada, and Al Jawf Governorate, with 14 of these strikes focused on the Yemeni capital. These attacks followed the Houthis’ attempted missile strikes toward Israel, which were intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces.
Recent evaluations by US government officials reveal that despite ongoing strikes, the impact on the Houthis has been less significant than anticipated. Pentagon officials noted that the group’s underground arsenals remain largely functional, contradicting public assertions made by US President Donald Trump regarding the effectiveness of military actions against the Houthis.
In conjunction with these developments, a senior Iranian official communicated to the Telegraph that Iran is reassessing its approach to supporting its allied groups, such as the Houthis, especially in light of direct threats from the Trump administration. It was suggested that Iran is attempting to avoid direct military confrontation, leading to the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, thereby leaving the Houthis to confront US military operations independently.
In summary, the US has escalated military actions against Houthi targets in Yemen, yet the effectiveness of these strikes remains debated among officials, with concerns that the Houthis’ arsenal remains mostly intact. Furthermore, Iranian strategic adjustments signal a shift in support for its proxies, creating a complex battlefield environment as the Houthis face US strikes largely alone.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
