Houthis weakened but remain a threat after US strikes

[MIDDLE EAST] President Donald Trump approved a series of airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels to begin on March 15, 2025, a substantial increase in US military participation in Yemen. The mission intends to limit the Houthis' ability to threaten international commercial lines in the Red Sea and deter their backing for Hamas in Gaza. Despite the severity of these strikes, the resilient rebel organization remains a strong threat in the region.

Escalation of U.S. Military Action

The current campaign is a break from prior US strategies in Yemen. Unlike the Biden administration's limited operations, the Trump administration has increased efforts by targeting high-ranking Houthi officials and carrying out bombings in metropolitan areas. This shift is designed to deal a major blow to the rebels' operational capabilities. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), between March 15 and 21, there were 56 events involving American strikes, resulting in 57 deaths. ​

Strategic Objectives and Regional Implications

The principal goals of the US campaign are to reduce Houthi threats to Israeli vessels and to reopen secure commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Since November 2023, the Houthis have been linked to attacks on more than 100 commercial vessels, causing substantial disruptions in maritime trade. In response to these threats, the United States has sent more naval assets, including the USS Carl Vinson, to increase its presence in the region. ​

Concerns Over Civilian Casualties

The increased airstrikes have sparked fears about civilian fatalities. According to reports, at least 31 people were killed and 101 others were injured in the initial US attacks, with women and children accounting for the vast majority. The U.K.-based Airwars group has stated that multiple US strikes may have harmed people, despite the fact that the US military has denied any civilian casualties and disputed Houthi allegations.

Houthi Resilience and Ongoing Threats

Despite the United States' offensive, the Houthis remain a formidable force. They continue to hold major territories in Yemen and have the capability to launch assaults. On March 27, the Israeli military intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen, which were thought to be fired by the Houthis in support of Hamas. This incident underscores the group's enduring threat and their role within Iran's "Axis of Resistance," which includes other militias such as Hezbollah.​

Debate Over U.S. Strategy

The US strategy has aroused controversy among officials and analysts. Critics believe that military action alone may not be enough to discourage the Houthis, who have traditionally shown resistance to external interventions. Concerns have also been voiced regarding the possibility of civilian casualties and the overall humanitarian consequences of the operations. Some argue that tackling the underlying political and economic difficulties in Yemen, as well as the larger regional dynamics, is critical to ensuring long-term stability. ​

While the latest US airstrikes have caused damage to the Houthi rebels, they have not eliminated the group's ability to operate and pose risks in the region. The situation remains difficult, with the possibility of additional escalation. As the United States conducts its campaign, the international community remains vigilant, conscious of the delicate balance between countering extremist threats and reducing humanitarian effects.