Trump shifts strategy as Houthi campaign proves ineffective

In mid-March 2025, the United States initiated Operation Rough Rider targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, who were conducting attacks that were impacting regional shipping routes. Despite substantial financial investment, estimated at around $1 billion, the air campaign struggled to achieve its objectives. U.S. Central Command reported ongoing Houthi attacks and indicated that air superiority had not been established a month after the campaign commenced. The airstrikes failed to eliminate significant Houthi leadership or reduce their military capabilities effectively. Reports surfaced indicating that U.S. intelligence assessed the Houthis maintained considerable operational capacities, with officials admitting that complete destruction of the group was unlikely. The campaign was characterized by a focus on the volume of munitions expended rather than meaningful strategic gains. Concerns also grew regarding the potential for mission creep and escalation in military operations against the Houthis and Iran, further complicating the situation. As military actions faced scrutiny, the risks to existing nuclear negotiations with Iran became pronounced. This led Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to advocate for a ceasefire amidst the ongoing conflict. In recognition of the ineffective outcome of the military campaign, pressure mounted for the government to focus instead on negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, while halting the bombing campaign against the Houthis. While the Houthis have claimed their military actions were intended to influence Israel into agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, they momentarily paused their attacks during a ceasefire period in January. The reality of the situation in Yemen reflects a complex interplay of regional power dynamics and underscores the challenges faced by the U.S. in addressing conflicts that intertwine with broader geopolitical interests.