After US-led airstrikes, a large portion of the Houthis' offensive capability is still intact.
The recent U.S.-led airstrikes against Houthi militia-controlled sites in Yemen have revealed a complex scenario, with approximately 90% of the targets damaged or destroyed. While the strikes achieved their objective of impairing the Houthis' ability to conduct sophisticated drone and missile attacks, assessing the true impact brings forth significant challenges.
According to two anonymous U.S. officials, the strikes left about three-quarters of the Houthi's capability to launch missiles and drones at ships in the Red Sea intact. Despite hitting over 60 targets with over 150 precision-guided munitions, the strikes reportedly damaged or destroyed only about 20 to 30% of the Houthi offensive capability. This poses a considerable hurdle for the Biden administration and its allies as they aim to deter Houthi retaliation, secure vital shipping routes, and contain regional conflict.
Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, the director of the military's Joint Staff, expressed satisfaction on Friday, stating that the strikes achieved their goal. However, cautionary statements from the unnamed U.S. officials highlight the mobile and adaptable nature of Houthi offensive capabilities, making them challenging to fully neutralize.
One key revelation is the difficulty in identifying Houthi targets, a challenge attributed to a lack of recent data on the location of air defenses, command hubs, munitions depots, and storage/production facilities. Western intelligence agencies had not extensively focused on gathering this information until the recent attacks on commercial ships by the Houthis in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The U.S.-led airstrikes on Thursday and Friday employed a dynamic targeting approach, hitting preplanned targets and responding to newly identified threats promptly. This strategy, known as dynamic targeting, reflects the evolving nature of the conflict and the need to adapt to emerging threats swiftly.
Despite the fiery rhetoric from the Houthis, their military response to the recent airstrikes has been relatively subdued, involving only a single anti-ship missile. U.S. military officials, including General Sims, acknowledge the potential for Houthi retaliation as they assess their remaining firepower and formulate an attack plan.
In conclusion, the U.S.-led airstrikes in Yemen have delivered a significant blow to Houthi capabilities, but challenges persist in fully neutralizing their offensive potential. As geopolitical tensions unfold, the Biden administration faces the delicate task of navigating a complex and evolving situation in the region. The effectiveness of the recent strikes and the subsequent response from the Houthis will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of future actions and strategies in this ongoing conflict.