US Military Action in Yemen: Trump's Military Push
Trump's assertion on Houthi matters: Implications for Israel examined
It's no secret that Yemen has been the most active battlefield for Donald Trump since he took office. A good chunk of that action has been kept under wraps, surprising given Trump's reputation for warmongering.
The American military has unleashed more than 800 strikes against Houthi targets since January, making for about 50 attacks per week. Two aircraft carrier strike groups have been stationed nearby to counter any threats from Iran.
In a twist of events, Trump announced the cessation of bombing the Houthis in Yemen, claiming the Iran-backed group is no longer interested in fighting. This move marks a significant victory for Trump, and it's all thanks to Oman's behind-the-scenes mediation efforts between the warring factions.
The Houthis, often dismissed as a bunch of amateurs, managed to hold their ground despite enduring years of bombardment from Saudi Arabia, backed by America and Britain. So, where does this leave Israel, which has profited from the US and British strikes on one of its enemies in the region?
Just last week, I found myself woken up by air raid sirens in Jerusalem as ballistic missiles were fired in our direction. On Sunday, a Houthi missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Israel launched a counterattack that, according to their sources, destroyed Sanaa Airport's operational capabilities.
As we move forward, Jerusalem prepares for a potential Houthi response. If the Houthis persist in attacking Israel, Netanyahu's hope is that the US maintains its military support. However, Trump might be eager to bank this win and boast about his success, potentially leading to the US scaling back its involvement in this particular conflict as it pursues a bigger nuclear deal with Iran, the Houthis' sponsor.
A Quick Recap
- Trump announced ceasefire with Houthis after nearly two months of bombing campaign (March-April 2025)
- US launched over 800 strikes, resulting in hundreds of Houthi casualties, significant degradation of Houthi capabilities
- Explosive impact on Yemen, with civilian casualties and international criticism
- Impact on both regional actors (Iran, Israel, and others)
- The situation is evolving rapidly, with potential repercussions for the Middle East at large
[1] White House Press Release, May 6, 2025.[2] US Central Command, May 7, 2025.[3] Human Rights Watch Report, May 10, 2025.
- Despite the ceasefire announcement, the war-and-conflicts in Yemen continues to be underreported in the average general news, given its intricate political dynamics.
- Donald Trump's military push in Yemen, marked by over 800 bombings, has been a subject of heated discussions in the political arena, with critics questioning its effectiveness and humanitarian impact.
- The bombing of Houthi targets in Yemen, initially seen as a sign of Trump's warmongering, has now opened up a new chapter, raising questions about future US involvement in war-and-conflicts, particularly in the context of a potential nuclear deal with Iran.
- Amidst the politics, it is the average citizens in Yemen who continue to bear the brunt of the war-and-conflicts, with civilians often caught in the crossfire and their plight often overlooked.
