U.S. Military Launches Open-Ended Operation Against Yemen’s Houthis
The U.S. military has initiated an open-ended operation against Houthi militants in Yemen to prevent attacks on shipping and allied interests. Lt. Gen. Grynkewich asserts the operation is intended to achieve specific objectives. Trump has held Iran responsible for Houthi actions, while the effectiveness of the operation compared to previous efforts remains uncertain amid continued Houthi hostility.
The U.S. military has announced an open-ended operation aimed at Houthi militants in Yemen. This initiative is designed to thwart the group’s attacks on international shipping and U.S. and allied interests. Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich stated, “Today, the operation continues, and it will continue in the coming days until we achieve the president’s objectives.”
It remains uncertain whether this new operation under President Trump will effectively weaken the Iranian-supported Houthis, who have held a significant portion of Yemen for over a decade. The group escalated its assaults on commercial vessels in late 2023 in response to the conflict in Gaza, extending its attacks to targets in Israel and against U.S. interests.
Despite previous air campaigns under President Biden, the Houthis have continued to manufacture weapons and carry out assaults in the Red Sea, threatening global commerce. The current operation is reportedly more extensive in terms of target selection and allows lower-level officials to approve strikes, enhancing operational flexibility and response to battlefield opportunities, according to Grynkewich.
President Trump has indicated that Iran will bear responsibility for any Houthi actions. He stated, “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN,” suggesting that Iran would face dire consequences for Houthi violence.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell has not dismissed the possibility of direct military actions against Iran, emphasizing that the Trump administration is aware of the adversaries the U.S. faces. Trump is also attempting to negotiate with Iran regarding its nuclear program but has encountered resistance.
The situation illustrates the challenges Trump faces in balancing military engagement and reducing U.S. involvement in the Middle East while refocusing efforts on competition with China. The Houthis had previously stated they would lessen attacks following a Gaza ceasefire, yet U.S. officials report continued military actions against American interests.
While addressing the Houthis’ potential threats, Grynkewich mentioned an attempted strike on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, which reportedly failed. Officials have not clarified what measures would be taken if the Houthis persist with their attacks, although Parnell hinted at a clear end state contingent on the Houthis’ response. Grynkewich added that the operation is aimed at producing specific results, highlighting the absence of credible civilian casualties amid ongoing U.S. strikes, while noting the injuries to Houthi military personnel.
The U.S. military’s open-ended operation against Houthi militants in Yemen seeks to mitigate the threats against commercial shipping and U.S. interests. This strategic shift aims at a more flexible approach in targeting operations, reflecting President Trump’s direct stance on accountability regarding Iran. The effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen, particularly in light of ongoing Houthi resistance and the complex geopolitical landscape. The administration’s actions will depend significantly on the Houthis’ future operational decisions.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
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