Yemen’s Houthis: Thriving Amid US Airstrikes and Defying Expectations | CNN Analysis

For several weeks, the U.S. has been conducting intense air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. President Trump has pledged to keep up “overwhelming force,” aiming to prevent the Houthis from disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis escalated their military efforts as a response to the Israeli conflict in Gaza that began in October 2023. They’ve launched over 100 attacks, even sinking two ships. This has forced 70% of merchant vessels that once passed through the Red Sea to take a longer route around southern Africa.

According to U.S. officials, their campaign is showing results. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reported that multiple Houthi leaders have been killed. However, every strike seems to spur even more defiance from the group.

Veteran analysts describe the Houthis as “honey badgers of resistance.” Just when they seem down, they get back up fighting. Despite the reported deaths of around 80 Houthi military officers, much of their leadership remains intact, as do their missile-launching capabilities. Since mid-March, they’ve targeted Israel with ballistic missiles and have launched numerous attacks on U.S. naval vessels, though none were severely damaging.

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. military’s operations against the Houthis might soon cost close to $1 billion in just a few weeks, yet the actual damage inflicted on the group’s capabilities has been limited. U.S. officials express concerns about resource depletion, citing the rapid use of munitions and fuel.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Houthis have threatened to broaden their targets to include the United Arab Emirates, which opposes them. This has led Saudi Arabia to maintain high alerts for its air defenses.

Despite the ongoing airstrikes, experts suggest that the Houthis have a remarkable capacity to endure hardship. Michael Knights from the Washington Institute believes they may have lost some drone manufacturing capabilities, but their smuggling networks remain robust. An investigation found that these networks help them acquire advanced military equipment, allowing their UAVs to carry heavier payloads and extend their operational range. This poses a considerable threat moving forward.

The Houthis have withstood numerous military offensives throughout Yemen’s chaotic history, including those from their now-destroyed ally, Ali Abdullah Saleh, and more recent campaigns from Saudi Arabia and Western air forces. Experts like Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group emphasize that understanding the Houthis’ complex leadership and structure remains a challenge for outsiders, possibly leaving intelligence gaps for their enemies.

Elisabeth Kendall, another analyst, questions the strategy behind the U.S. air campaign. While attacks have been extensive over the past decade, they have not succeeded in deterring the Houthis, who seem unfazed by continuous bombardments. Their resilience appears almost ingrained, driven by years of conflict which they regard as a testament to their strength.

As tensions heat up, analysts argue that only a large-scale ground offensive may have any hope of removing the Houthis from power. Some diplomatic sources indicate preparations might be in place for such a move, which could involve Saudi and U.S. naval support aimed at retaking vital ports.

The ongoing conflict reflects a complicated dynamic, where military might alone may not suffice to resolve deep-seated issues. As of now, the Houthis control Sanaa, the capital, and significant portions of northern Yemen. Their defiance and endurance continue to pose real challenges for the U.S. and its allies.

With U.S. resources stretched and mounting pressure on Riyadh, it remains to be seen how this conflict will evolve. Recent developments in drone and missile technology on all sides mean the stakes are high not just for Yemen, but for regional stability as well.



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