U.S. military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen are increasing as the Yemeni government prepares ground forces for a potential offensive to reclaim the Red Sea coastline. Dr. Abdulaziz Sager indicated that around 80,000 Yemeni soldiers are mobilizing, and renewed combat is anticipated near key locations. The Houthis’ ability to defend may be weakened by U.S. controls over vital supply routes.
Recent U.S. military operations in the Red Sea have intensified against Houthi positions in northwestern Yemen. Concurrently, the Yemeni government and its allies are mobilizing a formidable ground force aimed at reclaiming the nation’s Red Sea coastline and diminishing Houthi influence. This initiative hints at a potential confrontation over the strategically significant port city of Hodeidah, a long-standing point of contention in Yemen’s civil war.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager of the Gulf Research Center indicated that recent U.S. strikes have significantly weakened the Houthis. He reported that the Yemeni government is preparing to retake its territory, suggesting that while a political resolution is desirable, military action may soon be necessary. He stated, “To my best knowledge, there is a preparation of almost 80,000 Yemeni soldiers from the legitimate government in preparation in different locations to move toward taking over.”
Farea al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, noted renewed ground combat preparations in regions including Al Jawf, Sada, and Taiz. He expressed concerns that current military discussions indicate an imminent resumption of ground operations. Al-Muslimi commented, “The current military discussions are moving unfortunately as if the [ground] war is to actually resume in the next hours, not just in the next weeks.”
The Houthis are prepared for a fight for their coastal territory, yet their defensive capacity may be hindered by U.S. maritime control over the Hodeidah port, essential for fuel supplies in western Yemen. Reports from Houthi sources following U.S. bombings indicate six fatalities and 30 injuries, with the group alleging total campaign casualties at 120, including civilians.
Furthermore, the Houthis claimed the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, although U.S. Central Command has not confirmed this incident. Central Command maintains that it is executing continuous strikes against Houthi positions but provides limited information regarding specific strike targets or outcomes of the operations.
In summary, U.S. military efforts against Houthi forces in Yemen’s Red Sea region are intensifying as the Yemeni government prepares ground forces for a potential offensive. With approximately 80,000 soldiers mobilizing and the possibility of renewed combat imminent, control over strategic areas like Hodeidah remains critical. The outcome of these developments will significantly impact the ongoing civil conflict in Yemen.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
