Preparations for an Attack on Hodeidah Under Saudi Supervision – Is the Ground Battle Near?

NYN | Reports and Analyses

The U.S. network CNN reported on Sunday that the aerial campaign led by former President Donald Trump’s administration against the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen since mid-March has failed to achieve its desired objectives. It has not deterred the group or significantly impacted its operational capabilities, describing attempts to force the Houthis into surrender as a goal that is extremely difficult to accomplish.
In an extensive report, CNN likened the Houthi forces to the “honey badger”—known for its toughness and fierce resistance even against the most dangerous enemies—highlighting that the Houthis continue to launch ballistic missiles and drones against Israel and American vessels despite the intense strikes.
The report noted that the Houthis’ main political and military leaders remain unharmed, and many of their offensive positions are still active.

It also revealed estimates from U.S. officials stating that the air campaign has cost over $1 billion in less than three weeks without yielding tangible results on the ground.
One official told CNN, “We’re wasting munitions, fuel, and deployment time without making a real difference.”
The report added that the Houthis have shown no signs of fear and have even threatened to expand their attacks to include the UAE, prompting Saudi Arabia to raise its air defense alert level to the maximum.

CNN emphasized the Houthis’ historical resilience, having survived numerous military campaigns—from the era of Ali Abdullah Saleh to the Saudi offensive ten years ago, and more recently, the American, British, and Israeli airstrikes.
Michael Knights, a researcher at the Washington Institute, said the Houthis are accustomed to confronting major armies, describing them as strong, ideological tribal fighters and asserting that forcing them to surrender is nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Nagi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the Western understanding of the Houthis is “incomplete,” pointing out that their opaque organizational structure presents ongoing intelligence challenges.
He stressed that the belief airstrikes could force the group into retreat is “misguided,” noting that this approach failed during Biden’s tenure and is unlikely to succeed under Trump’s leadership either.
Elizabeth Kendall, an expert on Yemeni affairs, remarked that the Houthis have endured tens of thousands of airstrikes over the past decade without collapsing, adding that the bombing has become more of a display of strength than an effective strategy.

Although the deployment of American ground forces to Yemen is unlikely, the report suggested the U.S. may provide logistical support to the internationally recognized Yemeni government forces. The UAE may quietly participate, while Saudi Arabia remains hesitant due to concerns over retaliatory drone and long-range missile attacks.
CNN also noted that the U.S. has recently increased the delivery of missile defense systems to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to encourage its involvement, with the American administration likely to reassure Riyadh by saying: “We’ll protect you as we protected Israel from the Iranian attacks in 2024.”

The report concluded by pointing to preparations for a multi-front ground assault against the Houthis, supported at sea by Saudi Arabia and the U.S., aiming to recapture the port of Hodeidah. However, it stressed that the actual launch of such an operation remains uncertain at this time.