President Trump’s efforts against the Houthi militant group have reportedly cost the U.S. over $1 billion since March, encompassing the use of thousands of bombs and missiles. Despite extensive military operations, the Houthis have maintained their capability to strike beyond Yemen, even targeting Israel’s main international airport recently. On Tuesday, Trump announced a surprise deal to suspend U.S. strikes against the Houthis in exchange for the group halting attacks on U.S. ships. This agreement, brokered with help from Oman, only covers American vessels, leaving the Houthis free to continue their aggression against Israel and other nations.
The effectiveness of the military campaign, termed Operation Rough Rider, has been difficult to assess, with U.S. drones frequently shot down, and no ground forces to evaluate success on the ground. Reports indicate that the Pentagon has used approximately 2,000 munitions, costing about $775 million, alongside additional expenses related to military assets moved to the region.
There are concerns that the Trump administration’s approach lacks the long-term commitment necessary for a meaningful outcome. Critics suggest that the suspension of strikes may allow the U.S. to justify its withdrawal from hostilities with the Houthis, yet these actions do not address the underlying chaos in Yemen or the Houthis’ threats to global shipping. The Biden administration had previously initiated a campaign for “freedom of navigation,” which yielded limited success.
Amid ongoing divisions within the Trump administration regarding the campaign, some officials expressed doubts about the feasibility of long-term engagement with the Houthis. If the Houthis adhere to the recent accord, the administration could argue that freedom of navigation has been restored, despite the apparent volatility of the situation.
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