The Biden Administration is formulating plans for a sustained military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, following unsuccessful strikes aimed at halting the group’s attacks on maritime commerce. The White House held a meeting to discuss options for the future of the administration’s response to the Iranian-backed movement. Despite daily operations to destroy Houthi radars, missiles, and drones, the group has vowed to continue attacking ships off the Arabian peninsula. The escalating violence poses a challenge to President Biden’s goal of preventing spillover hostilities resulting from Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The Houthis, a powerful faction in Yemen’s civil war, have framed their campaign as a means of pressuring Israel and gaining regional support. However, the United States’ expanding response risks involving Biden in another unpredictable Middle Eastern conflict, potentially undermining his efforts to prioritize relations with Russia and China. The administration’s strategy in Yemen aims to erode the Houthis’ military capabilities enough to curtail their ability to target shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The goal is to provide a deterrent that encourages shipping companies to resume operations in the region.
While the strikes have degraded some of the Houthis’ military assets, they still retain a significant arsenal. Western officials believe that Iran provides the Houthis with advanced equipment through a smuggling operation, enabling them to strike beyond Yemen’s borders. The United States hopes that its strikes, combined with an interdiction campaign to intercept weapons shipments from Iran, will gradually weaken the Houthis’ most potent weapons.
The Biden administration’s decision to confront the Houthis aligns with its stance in support of Ukraine against Russia’s violation of its sovereignty. By taking action against the Houthis, the United States aims to defend freedom of navigation and demonstrate its role as an “indispensable nation.” The administration has sought international support by condemning Houthi violence and securing a U.N. Security Council resolution denouncing their actions.
However, some U.S. officials express concerns about the military intervention’s potential consequences. They fear that it could derail diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen and worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. Additionally, attacking the Houthis without a clear exit strategy and limited support from key allies may lead to an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Despite broad support from U.S. lawmakers, there are concerns about the lack of a clear strategy or endgame for the operation. Legislators worry about the cost and duration of the campaign, as well as the possibility of the Houthis rearming despite the strikes. The difficulties and complexities of the situation in Yemen require a clear-eyed approach.
In conclusion, the Biden Administration is formulating plans for a sustained military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. The goal is to degrade their military capabilities and deter them from targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, there are concerns about the potential consequences of the intervention, including its impact on diplomatic efforts and the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The operation lacks a clear strategy and endgame, raising questions about its cost and duration. The complexities of the conflict highlight the need for a cautious approach.