US Airstrikes on Houthi Leaders Indicate Shift in Yemen Campaign Strategy
TL/DR –
Since mid-March, the Trump administration has focused on targeting Houthi military and political leaders, a shift from the Biden administration’s policy of striking Houthi military hardware. This is in response to the Houthi’s significant attacks on international shipping, which began in November 2023. As a result of the increased American airstrikes, multiple Houthi officers and soldiers have been killed, including Houthi intelligence chief Colonel Abdul Nasser Sarhan al Kamali, and several military officers and soldiers.
“US Airstrikes Target Houthi Leaders in Yemen”
The Trump administration’s campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has seen a focus on targeting both political and military Houthi leaders since its initiation in mid-March. This represents a diverging path from the Biden administration’s policy, which targeted Houthi military hardware instead of personnel.
Starting in November 2023, the Houthis, or Ansar Allah, increased attacks on international shipping, escalating despite efforts by the US to prevent them, as admitted by General Eric Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM). The Houthis continued to target vessels even with the Biden administration’s reluctance to target Houthi leaders and their Iranian advisers.
Reports from within Yemen suggest numerous mid-level military officers and soldiers have been killed in the current US campaign.
“Rise in Houthi Casualties”
Increased American airstrikes since March 16 have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous fighters. However, ambiguity exists in reports about these deaths, as slain fighters are often described as being “martyred in defense of the homeland.”
Among those reportedly killed in the airstrikes are Houthi intelligence chief Colonel Abdul Nasser Sarhan al Kamali, and Captain Malik Abdullah Mohammed al Laasani. While the authenticity of these claims is difficult to ascertain due to lack of evidence, the timing of the Houthi fighters’ deaths coincides with American airstrikes.
Analysts have compiled claims stating that over 100 Houthis of various military ranks were killed in US strikes. However, not all death claims have been verified by Houthi sources.
Iran has reportedly pulled its military advisors out of Yemen, possibly as a response to US military pressure. This comes after Trump’s warnings to hold Iran accountable for the Houthi’s attacks on Israel and US naval assets.
“The Houthis and Iran’s Axis of Resistance”
The Houthis, along with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, are part of Iran’s Axis of Resistance. All have targeted US forces in an effort to drive America from the region and support Palestinian terror groups in Gaza. The Houthis possess ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, many of which are used against commercial vessels and US warships.
The Houthis are estimated to have 100,000 fighters under arms. Their official motto is “God is great, death to the US, death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory for Islam.”
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