U.S. Military Actions Intensify as Yemeni Forces Mobilize Against Houthis

U.S. military actions against the Houthis intensify as Yemeni ground forces prepare for a large offensive to reclaim the coast, notably the port city of Hodeidah. Experts suggest that both military and political solutions are being considered, with significant troop mobilization reported. The ongoing conflict may lead to renewed ground combat, complicating the humanitarian landscape in Yemen.

As U.S. military operations intensify against Houthi forces in northwestern Yemen from the Red Sea, the Yemeni government and its allies are consolidating a large military presence aimed at reclaiming the Red Sea coastline. This initiative could lead to significant confrontations over the strategically important port city of Hodeidah, which has been a central point of conflict throughout Yemen’s long-standing civil war.

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, the head of the Gulf Research Center based in Saudi Arabia, articulated at a recent Chatham House panel that the Houthis have suffered significant losses due to U.S. strikes. He emphasized that the Yemeni government is preparing for a military offensive while remaining hopeful for a political solution. “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,” Dr. Sager stated, suggesting that U.S. drone support may facilitate the operation.

Farea al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, noted indicators of renewed ground combat in various regions, including Al Jawf, Sada, and Taiz. He remarked, “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,” indicating a sense of urgency regarding the impending military actions.

Previous Houthi attempts to control the coastal region may be hindered this time due to U.S. maritime dominance over shipping routes to and from Hodeidah, as elaborated by al-Muslimi. Additionally, the port remains crucial as the primary conduit for fuel supplies into western Yemen.

The operational activities in the Red Sea persist, with Houthi sources reporting casualties from U.S. bombings, claiming six fatalities and 30 injuries in recent attacks. They have estimated the overall death toll from the campaign to be 120, including both combatants and civilians. Moreover, the Houthis alleged the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, a claim that U.S. Central Command has not confirmed or denied. Central Command has stated that their operations against Houthi positions occur continuously but has limited disclosures regarding specific targets.

The current developments in Yemen highlight an imminent ground offensive by the Yemeni government and its allies against the Houthi forces amid escalating U.S. military actions. While military preparations are underway involving thousands of Yemeni soldiers, the strategic implications of controlling Hodeidah port could significantly impact the conflict dynamics. The situation remains precarious, with the Houthis facing increased challenges due to U.S. operations, though concerns regarding civilian casualties and the overall humanitarian situation persist.

Original Source: maritime-executive.com