Over the past few days, the U.S. launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, following the Trump administration’s decision to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation on the 4 March.
Trump’s latest move comes in response to the Houthis’ growing threat to regional stability, following Israel’s war in Gaza.
Houthi Escalation and Regional Influence
The Houthis have intensified their attacks on maritime trade in the Red Sea, disrupting one of the world’s most critical trade routes. The militia have also increased missile and drone strikes on Israel, further destabilising the region.
With recent U.S. strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the Houthis have become a central player in Iran’s network.
Deeper ties with other Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and strategic allies such as Russia and China has emboldened the role of the militia.
Such a significant shift has elevated them from a local insurgency to a major regional force.
A Shift in U.S. Policy Toward the Houthis
In response, the Trump administration has taken a more aggressive stance, contrasting with previous U.S. policies under Biden and the former Trump administration, which inadvertently contributed to the Houthis’ expansion.
In 2018, Yemen’s internationally recognised government launched a major offensive to reclaim the strategic port of Hodeidah from the Houthis.
Failed Previous International Efforts: Stockholm
However, the Stockholm Agreement, brokered by the United Nations and supported by the U.S., halted the operation.
Initially, the Houthis refused to negotiate, but eventually agreed to discussions on lifting blockades, sharing port revenues, and allowing oil and commercial ships access to Hodeidah.
Once the Houthis solidified their control over the city, the militia reneged on their commitments, undermining the agreement.
The Implications: U.S. Credibility on Yemen
This failure damaged U.S. credibility among allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The lack of a decisive U.S. response to Iranian and Houthi attacks—such as the 2019 Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil facility and Houthi attacks on Aramco facilities in 2022—was perceived as weakness.
In April 2022, Saudi Arabia shifted its approach, repositioning itself as a neutral mediator and initiating direct negotiations with the Houthis. This resulted in a ceasefire, agreements on public sector salary payments, and renewed intra-Yemeni talks.
However, these concessions weakened Yemen’s internationally recognised government, including lifting economic restrictions on Houthi-controlled areas.
Are Military Strikes Enough to Defeat the Houthis?
The recent U.S. airstrikes have placed significant military and psychological pressure on the Houthis for the first time in years.
However, the group remains capable of reorganising and resuming attacks, without strengthening Yemen’s government forces, particularly in the maritime arena.
Shortly after the U.S. strikes, the Houthis advanced toward Marib, a strategic stronghold.
Controlling this city would allow them to withstand future airstrikes and emerge even stronger.
Policy Recommendations: U.S. Actions on Yemen
The U.S. must also pursue the following policies to build on the FTO designation:
- Increase Security Assistance to Yemen’s Legitimate Government
- Support Efforts to Unify Yemen’s Military Forces
- Enhance Intelligence-Sharing and Defence Cooperation
Yemen’s Civil War: Long Term Strategy
Airstrikes alone are a unsustainable solution.
While they weaken the Houthis’ capabilities, they also risk civilian casualties, while Houthi leaders remain in hiding.
More than 200 U.S. drone strikes targeted Al-Qaeda in Yemen over the past two decades.
While these operations eliminated key militants, they also resulted in civilian deaths and ultimately failed to eradicate the group.
This underscores a key lesson: while military strikes are essential, a long-term strategy is critical.
Policy Recommendations: International Alliance
Currently, Yemen’s military forces remain fragmented, with different factions under Saudi and UAE control.
This weakens efforts to counter the Houthis effectively.
A successful strategy must involve:
- Stronger cooperation: Yemeni Government, Gulf Allies, and International Partners
- Unification of Military Forces, Under Central Command
- Bolstering Yemen’s Coast Guard to Prevent Maritime Attacks
At the Munich Security Conference, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi emphasised the need to empower Yemen’s government to fully control its territory and military operations.
Similarly, Foreign Minister Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani urged the U.S. and global allies to increase support for Yemen’s security forces and border defenses.
The Path Forward: A Holistic Approach
To effectively counter the Houthis, the U.S. must adopt a multi-faceted strategy, combining:
- Sustained Military Pressure: to weaken the Houthis’ capabilities.
- Diplomatic Engagement: to strengthen Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
- Economic Support: to stabilise Yemen’s war-torn economy.
- Enhanced Regional Partnerships: to contain Iran’s influence.
While the recent airstrikes mark a turning point, they are only one piece of the puzzle.
Without comprehensive military, political, and economic efforts, the Houthis will remain a destabilising force in Yemen, the Bab el-Mandeb, and the wider Horn of Africa.
Op-Ed: The views of this author are independent of The Daily Euro Times and are not a representation of The Daily Euro Times as a publication.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
Read also:
Triangular Diplomacy: Djibouti, the Houthis, and Al-Shabaab
Anything for a Dollar: Djibouti, Arms Smuggling, and Terrorism (Part 3, Horn of Africa Series)
