U.S. airstrikes degrade Houthi capabilities by 30%

In April 2025, the United States conducted sustained airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, significantly impacting their military infrastructure. Moammar al-Eryani, a senior official from the anti-Houthi camp, reported that these airstrikes had degraded the Houthi's missile and drone capabilities by approximately 30%. This military action came after days of missile silence from the Houthis, who recently launched a ballistic missile at Israel, indicating ongoing threats. Despite the operational damage inflicted by the U.S. air campaign, experts note that airpower alone is insufficient for long-term success against the Houthis. Israeli analysts have emphasized the need for a broader coalition to tackle the Houthi threat effectively. They likened the situation to the campaign against ISIS, suggesting that local forces and outside nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, should unite in a task force aimed at toppling the Houthi regime. These experts argue that while the American airstrikes deliver significant blows to Houthi capabilities, they alone will not produce a decisive or permanent solution in Yemen's complex geopolitical landscape. Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, is reportedly planning a military operation mobilizing around 80,000 troops to retake strategic areas like the key port city of Hodeidah. Alongside military actions, accompanying social-political efforts within Yemen are deemed essential to assist the southern Yemeni government in reclaiming control over Houthi-dominated regions. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Houthi financial networks, aiming to undermine their procurement of weaponry, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to countering the Houthi threat despite challenges ahead. The situation in Yemen is complicated by ongoing conflicts and the need for coordinated regional efforts. Experts such as Professor Kobi Michael stress that while the Houthis' military capacity is being disrupted, it requires sustained efforts both militarily and socially to achieve a lasting resolution. With airstrikes ongoing and a potential ground operation in the works, the future of Yemen remains uncertain as various factions vie for power amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis.