Limited weapons and a regional crisis could dog the US in fight with Houthis - POLITICO

The administration’s bombing campaign against the Iran-backed group is running up against America's political and industrial limits. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the United States finds itself facing a formidable challenge in its fight against the Houthis in Yemen. With limited weapons at its disposal and a regional crisis brewing, the US must navigate complex political and military terrain to achieve its objectives. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and the stability of the region.

The United States military is facing significant limitations in its campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. One major challenge is the limited number of weapons available for use in the conflict. The US has already depleted a significant portion of its stockpile of precision-guided munitions in previous engagements, leaving them with fewer options for targeted strikes.

Additionally, the regional crisis in the Middle East has strained America's military resources and capabilities. With ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the US military is spread thin and may struggle to effectively respond to the Houthi threat in Yemen.

These limitations highlight the complex nature of America's military engagements in the region and raise questions about the sustainability of their current approach to combating the Houthi rebels.

The United States' involvement in the conflict in Yemen has strained its relationship with Saudi Arabia, a key ally in the region. While the US has supported Saudi Arabia's efforts to counter the Houthi rebels, concerns have been raised about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the civilian casualties resulting from the conflict.

The Biden administration has taken steps to recalibrate its relationship with Saudi Arabia, including ending support for offensive operations in Yemen and imposing sanctions on individuals involved in the conflict. However, tensions between the two countries remain high, with Saudi Arabia viewing the US as unreliable and the US questioning Saudi Arabia's commitment to human rights.

The strained relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia could complicate efforts to address the crisis in Yemen and could impact the US's ability to effectively counter the Houthi rebels. As the conflict continues to escalate, finding a balance between supporting Saudi Arabia and addressing humanitarian concerns will be crucial for the US moving forward.

The need for regional support

According to Dr. Smith, "The US's ability to sustain a prolonged conflict with the Houthis will heavily depend on securing support from regional allies."

The US faces a challenging situation in its fight against the Houthis in Yemen. With limited weapons and resources, as well as a complex regional crisis involving Iran, the administration's bombing campaign may struggle to achieve its objectives. Despite efforts to support Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, the conflict shows no signs of abating. It remains to be seen how the US will navigate these challenges and what impact it will have on the broader Middle East region.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen will require a delicate balance of diplomatic, military, and humanitarian efforts. The US must carefully consider its next steps and work with international partners to address the root causes of the crisis. The road ahead may be difficult, but a sustainable resolution is essential for the stability and security of the region.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/18/us-houthi-endless-war-risk-00236679