PNN – In an analysis, CNN, referring to the futility of US military objectives in challenging Yemeni resistance forces with airstrikes, claimed that the only way to defeat the Houthis (Yemeni Ansarullah) is a ground war.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the American media outlet, referring to the high resistance of the Yemenis during years of bombing by the Saudi-led coalition, which was carried out with various American equipment, as well as their history of courageous warfare, acknowledged: The total cost of the US military operation against Houthi forces in Yemen in less than three weeks has been estimated at nearly one billion dollars, but these attacks have so far had little effect on destroying the group’s capabilities.
CNN further claimed, citing some regional diplomatic sources as well as analysts that only a ground attack could lead to the defeat and destruction of the Houthis.
Ahmed Nagui, senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group, said: The United States is mistaken in thinking that airstrikes can force the Houthis to retreat; while this approach failed under the Biden administration and is unlikely to succeed under the Trump administration.
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The analysis continues: Analysts do not expect the United States to deploy its military force on the ground (to confront Yemen) – except for a handful of Special Forces to assist in direct air strikes.
Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, speculated that forces loyal to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who have already been trained and equipped, may be able to launch a (ground) war against the Houthis in these circumstances.
Regarding how regional countries will support these forces, the political analyst predicted that the UAE would be “quietly supportive” because it has long aided the Aden-based government.
CNN, citing the ambiguity of Saudi Arabia’s response in supporting these Yemeni forces, continued by quoting Knights: Although the United States has accelerated the delivery of missile defense to Saudi Arabia in recent months, Riyadh fears retaliation from the Houthis, possibly through drone and long-range missile attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
According to this analysis, regional diplomatic sources have warned that preparations for a ground operation against the Houthis are underway, likely to begin from the south, east, and along the Red Sea coast; a coordinated attack that may be supported by the Saudi and US navies to retake the port of Hodeidah.