Airstrikes Alone Will Not Defeat Houthis in Yemen, Experts Warn

Experts assert that airstrikes are inadequate to defeat Yemen’s Houthi militia, which remains resilient despite U.S. military efforts. A leaked chat revealed U.S. plans to reopen shipping lanes, but experts urge a combination of air and ground strategies for effectiveness. Historical precedence suggests air power alone is insufficient for success, further complicated by current shipping adaptations.

Experts contend that the U.S. airstrikes targeting the Houthi militia in Yemen will not suffice to defeat the group fully. Despite U.S. intentions to reestablish secure shipping lanes in the Red Sea, experts note that the Houthis, supported by Iran, are resilient and unlikely to be subdued through aerial assault alone. Many observe that successful military outcomes typically require ground forces as well.

High-ranking officials discussed the U.S. military objectives during a leaked Trump administration group chat, revealing strategies aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and ensuring safe passage to the Suez Canal. Michael Waltz, a participant in the chat and former security adviser, emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to reclaim these shipping lanes. However, experts caution that the realities of military engagement may complicate these ambitious plans.

Historically, air power has rarely been decisive in warfare without complementary ground strategies. James R. Holmes, a maritime strategy specialist at the Naval War College, noted that past conflicts, including the Gulf War, necessitated land intervention after initial air campaigns. Furthermore, major shipping companies have adapted to avoid the Red Sea due to the conflict, implementing less desirable routes that ensure the timely delivery of goods despite additional costs.

In summary, military experts indicate that the strategy of deploying airstrikes in Yemen against the Houthis will not achieve the desired outcomes on its own. The group, bolstered by Iranian support, requires a more comprehensive military approach that likely includes ground forces. As history suggests, air power alone has not sufficed, and adaptive strategies by commercial shipping entities highlight the broader challenges in resolving the conflict.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com