President Trump stated this week that Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have been significantly weakened by U.S. strikes he ordered on March 15. However, Pentagon and military officials are reportedly conveying a different perspective to Congress and allies.
In recent closed briefings, Pentagon officials acknowledged that there has been limited success in dismantling the Houthis’ extensive underground arsenal of missiles, drones, and launchers, according to congressional aides and allied nations. These officials indicated that the bombing campaign has been more extensive than strikes conducted during the Biden administration and significantly larger than publicly reported.
Houthi fighters, known for their resilience, have reportedly reinforced bunkers and other targeted sites, which has hampered U.S. efforts to disrupt missile attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, according to anonymous sources familiar with the assessments.
In the first three weeks of operations, the Pentagon has expended approximately $200 million on munitions, in addition to substantial operational costs associated with deploying two aircraft carriers, B-2 bombers, fighter jets, and air defense systems to the Middle East. Some estimates suggest total costs could exceed $1 billion by next week, prompting potential requests for supplemental funding from Congress.
Concerns have emerged among Pentagon contingency planners regarding the consumption of precision munitions, particularly long-range weapons, which may impact Navy stock levels and preparedness for potential conflicts, including a possible invasion of Taiwan by China.
The U.S. strikes, named Operation Rough Rider, are expected to continue for six months, although a senior Pentagon official pushed back on this timeframe, stating it had never been discussed in such terms. This official claimed that the initial phase of the campaign has met its goals by disrupting the Houthi leadership's communication and limiting their military responses.
U.S. officials asserted that the strikes have indeed damaged the Houthis’ command and control structures, with some reports confirming the killing of high-ranking Houthi leaders and the destruction of facilities used for advanced weapon production. The strikes have been described as a critical effort to pressure the Houthis to cease their attacks on international shipping.
The Trump administration’s approach contrasts with the previous Biden administration's limited strikes against Houthi infrastructure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of the current strikes in maintaining global shipping security.
There has been criticism regarding the effectiveness of the current campaign compared to the Biden administration’s efforts, with some lawmakers demanding clarity from the Trump administration on the strategy moving forward given past struggles with deterring the Houthis.
The Pentagon has not released detailed updates on the strikes since March 17, but claims from military officials indicate a reduction in ballistic missile attacks from the Houthis, particularly against Israel, as a result of the ongoing airstrikes.
As part of the offensive, the U.S. has utilized advanced long-range aerial weapons to counteract Houthi air defenses, which have previously downed U.S. drones in the region. The operation began on March 15, targeting various Houthi locations in northern Yemen.
In response to potential escalation in the region, the Pentagon has also deployed Patriot and THAAD air defense systems to allied Arab nations, with logistical support from the United Arab Emirates. Previous campaigns by the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis faced significant challenges, particularly concerning civilian casualties.
Reports indicate that recent strikes have resulted in civilian casualties, and there are ongoing investigations into these claims as the Pentagon maintains a commitment to minimizing civilian harm during operations.
President Trump has emphasized that strikes will persist until the Houthis cease their threats to international navigation and has issued warnings to Iran regarding its support for the militants.
U.S. intelligence agencies continue to face challenges in identifying Houthi weapons systems, which are hidden in underground facilities. Previous efforts by the Biden administration to enhance surveillance have reportedly aided in the current operations, with additional support from Israel.