The Trump administration's airstrikes in Yemen represent a significant escalation in the U.S. strategy against Houthi rebels, which have been increasingly aggressive in targeting commercial shipping in the region. According to experts, these strikes are part of a broader effort to degrade the Houthis' military capabilities and leadership, mirroring tactics used by Israel against Hezbollah. Experts suggest that it will take time to assess whether this military strategy will effectively reduce Houthi attacks on Israel and maritime traffic. The backdrop includes an ongoing relationship between the Houthis and Iranian military support.
The Trump-era strikes are broader in scale and formed as part of a sustained campaign targeting not only Houthi infrastructure - such as hideouts, stockpiles, and military assets - but also the group's leadership.
This mirrors Israel's approach during its conflict with Hezbollah, where efforts to degrade military capabilities were accompanied by systematic strikes on field commanders, eventually reaching senior leadership figures and the upper echelon.
Regional experts cautioned it is likely to take months to see whether more airstrikes will end Houthi attacks on Israel and merchant ships.
The Houthis began a campaign targeting and hijacking commercial ships transiting the Red Sea shortly after the October 2023 Gaza war began; Hamas, like the Houthis, are armed and trained by Iran.
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