The United States has launched a massive bombing campaign in Yemen, targeting what it claims are Houthi leaders and terrorist infrastructure. The strikes come as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against the Houthi rebels, which began two weeks ago.
According to military officials, the main difference between this campaign and those under the Biden administration is that commanders have more leeway to decide when to strike and what targets to hit. In contrast, previous efforts have focused on targeting Houthi air defenses and weapons manufacturing facilities.
However, analysts say that airstrikes alone may not be enough to defeat the Houthis, who have a history of regrouping after military campaigns. Mohammed Al-Basha, an analyst at the Basha Report, notes that the key to success lies in combining airstrikes with ground operations and avoiding civilian casualties.
The Trump administration has made it clear that its goal is to restore navigation in the Red Sea and prevent Houthi attacks on US assets. Iran’s support for the Houthis has also been a major concern, with President Trump vowing to hold Tehran responsible for any Houthi attacks on US ships.
National security officials have used the messaging app Signal to discuss the campaign and its goals, revealing debate among administration officials about the operation’s objectives. Vice President Mike Pence initially opposed the campaign, citing concerns about European support and Houthi targeting of Saudi oil facilities.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-the-u-s-strikes-in-yemen