The Trump’s administration has initiated a vigorous airstrike campaign targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels since March 15, 2024, marked by an unprecedented strike frequency. The U.S. military faces scrutiny for potential civilian casualties and lacks operational transparency. While military strategies evolve, the resilience of the Houthis and ongoing peace efforts remain critical factors in the region’s future.

The Trump administration has adopted a more aggressive military strategy towards Yemen’s Houthi rebels, initiating an intensive airstrike campaign since March 15, 2024. An analysis by the Associated Press highlights the increased frequency and intensity of these strikes compared to those executed under the previous administration, with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reporting 56 events from March 15 to March 21. This week’s surge marks the highest weekly strike count since the start of U.S. military operations in Yemen during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Under the new policy, Mideast-based U.S. forces possess greater autonomy to conduct offensive strikes without prior approval from the White House, a deviation from the control exercised during President Biden’s administration. Reports indicate that the strike campaign has resulted in 57 casualties among the Houthis, according to their own figures. Notably, U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz announced that significant Houthi leaders, including their missile operations chief, have been reportedly killed, although the Houthis have not confirmed any leadership losses.

The renewed airstrikes stem from the Houthis’ threats to target Israeli vessels amid tensions in the Gaza Strip, as the group had previously attacked over 100 merchant ships, leading to significant casualties and damages. President Trump emphasized the importance of ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping through crucial maritime routes concerning Yemen, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Concerns regarding civilian casualties have been raised by activists, as past practices of transparency from the U.S. military have not been replicated in the current campaign. The U.K.-based group Airwars estimates that at least five U.S. strikes may have inadvertently harmed civilians based on various reports, although the U.S. military has refrained from acknowledging any such casualties and dismissed claims by the Houthis as misinformation.

Going forward, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and its strike group will enter the Middle East to support the USS Harry S. Truman already stationed in the region, increasing the U.S. military’s operational capacity. Satellite imagery reveals stealth bombers positioned for potential deployment in Yemen, but experts caution that mere military action may not suffice against the resilient Houthi forces, who continue to hold significant territory, particularly in the capital, Sanaa. Meanwhile, efforts by Yemen’s exiled government and regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. to negotiate peace with the Houthis continue, despite their previous military engagement against the rebel group.

The article outlines the intensified U.S. airstrike campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels initiated by the Trump administration in March 2024. This new strategy diverges from previous operational protocols, granting U.S. forces greater freedom in conducting strikes. The rise in casualties has raised concerns over civilian safety and the lack of transparency in reporting military operations. The Houthis remain resilient despite military pressure, prompting discussions on the broader implications for peace negotiations in Yemen.

Original Source: www.newsday.com

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