HOUTHI DEFEAT? U.S. SPENDING ON YEMEN OPERATIONS REPORTEDLY REACHES $12 BILLION
The United States has reportedly spent a total of $12 billion on new military operations against the Houthi movement in Yemen following the escalation of attacks that began after October 7, 2023.
The U.S. campaign has included airstrikes against Houthi military targets, naval deployments, missile-defense operations, and efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, began targeting ships they said were linked to Israel or supporting the Palestinians in response to the Gaza war. Their attacks forced many commercial vessels to avoid the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major global shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Washington subsequently expanded its military presence in the region, conducting repeated strikes against Houthi missile, drone and weapons infrastructure while deploying warships and air-defense assets to protect international shipping.
Despite the scale of the U.S. military response and the reported $12 billion cost, the Houthis have continued to demonstrate their ability to launch missiles and drones, raising questions over whether the campaign has achieved its strategic objectives.
The spending figure highlights the significant financial and military resources required by the United States to counter the Houthi threat and secure one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.