$1 Billion US military offensive in Yemen struggles against Houthi resilience

Despite significant financial investment, recent reports indicate that the US military's offensive in Yemen has yielded minimal results, as the Houthi forces continue their defiance amid escalating regional tensions.

Earlier this month, US media disclosed that nearly $1 billion had been spent in just three weeks on military operations targeting the Houthis. However, sources familiar with the situation have characterized the impact of this campaign as "limited."

The offensive, initiated on March 15, has consumed a substantial portion of the budget on sophisticated munitions, including JASSM cruise missiles, Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW), and Tomahawk missiles. The JASSM, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, whereas JSOWs facilitate long-range attacks. Tomahawk missiles, utilized primarily by the US Navy, are known for their capacity to evade radar detection.

On April 2, CNN reported the deployment of at least six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. This action, comprising 30% of the US Air Force's stealth bomber fleet, was interpreted as a message to Iran amid rising Middle Eastern tensions. The B-2 bombers, known for their stealth capabilities, can carry both conventional and nuclear payloads.

Despite the significant military presence, the Pentagon has not disclosed the operation's precise impacts on Houthi capabilities. According to a US defense official, while some military sites have been reportedly destroyed, the Houthis have fortified their positions and retained their weapon stockpiles.

The Trump administration has not clarified the duration of the offensive, but President Trump indicated that airstrikes would persist until Houthis cease their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

Houthi military response

The Houthis have shown resilience, continuing retaliatory attacks, particularly in response to the conflict in Gaza. Since March 2025, they have downed three MQ-9 Reaper drones, increasing their total losses to at least 17 since the onset of Israel's offensive in Gaza in October 2023. Each drone is valued at approximately $30 million, leading to significant financial losses.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, has taken responsibility for these operations, asserting they are acts of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. He noted that the downed drones were conducting hostile operations over Yemeni airspace.

On April 5, President Trump shared footage of a US airstrike, claiming it eliminated Houthi fighters. However, local sources disputed this, asserting that the strike targeted innocent civilians at a tribal gathering. A senior Houthi media official condemned Trump’s claims, labeling them as an exhibition of US aggression.

US airstrikes' widespread destruction

The ongoing airstrikes have resulted in significant destruction, including civilian infrastructure. The CNN report has been criticized for not addressing the civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the strikes. Yemen has been under a naval and air blockade since 2015, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.

According to a 2025 UNHCR report, around 4.5 million people—14% of Yemen's population—are displaced, with millions facing acute food insecurity. The situation is dire, with tens of thousands living in famine-like conditions. In the wake of the military offensive, at least 70 Yemenis have reportedly been killed since March 15.