The Biden administration’s struggle against Iran-backed Houthis
The Biden administration is facing challenges in its efforts to combat the ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis against ships in the Red Sea. Despite carrying out significant strikes on the group in recent weeks, US officials told CNN that the Houthis continue to fortify their weapons stockpile inside Yemen.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted the Houthis’ large arsenal, emphasizing that they maintain sophisticated weapons obtained from Iran. The US officials have been grappling with how to increase pressure on the Houthis, with some suggesting that the use of force alone is not effective.
Former officials argue that the administration should focus on targeting Houthi leaders instead of their weapon stocks. However, the US strategy for confronting the Houthis has shifted as US Central Command has started preemptively striking Houthi weaponry inside Yemen when systems are being prepared to launch.
However, it remains unclear how much of the Houthi equipment has been destroyed, and whether the US will further adjust its military approach. Senior defense officials admit that the Houthis continue to surprise them, as their arsenal remains largely unknown.
While the US has conducted numerous strikes on Houthi targets inside Yemen since January, including command and control nodes and weapons storage facilities, the Houthis are responding by digging tunnels near Yemen’s western coast and regularly staying underground.
Some senior officials inside the administration believe that the Houthis may stop their attacks if Israel ends its war in Gaza, but others view this as wishful thinking. The administration cannot afford to wait for a ceasefire and has been working to turn ordinary Yemenis and the international community against the Houthis.
The Potential Future Trends
The ongoing conflict between the US and the Iran-backed Houthis has significant implications and potential future trends. The key points mentioned in the article shed light