Britain Reveals What Washington Didn’t Expect About Houthi Missiles!
NYN | Reports and analyses
The missile and drone arsenal possessed by Sanaa’s forces remains a major concern for Washington and its allies, as continued attacks reshape the balance of power in the Red Sea and the region.
Former British Navy commander Tom Sharpe warned that the U.S. Navy is engaged in a new war in Bab al-Mandab, emphasizing that there will be no easy victory against what he referred to as the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
He pointed out that the British Air Force, which participated in airstrikes alongside Washington last year, failed to achieve tangible results, raising questions about the effectiveness of the U.S. military strategy in the region.
Sharpe stated that airstrikes and the formation of defensive alliances have done little to change the situation in the Red Sea, where the U.S. Navy remains at risk as long as it remains within the range of Houthi missiles.
He noted that no U.S. ship has passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait since January 2024, further undermining the justification for continued American military intervention in the region.
The British commander highlighted that the Houthis (Ansar Allah) possess a massive stockpile of drones and missiles, despite years of U.S. efforts to disrupt their supply chains.
He added that intelligence estimates suggest the Houthis are now manufacturing their missiles domestically and have even become arms exporters. They also employ stealth tactics, such as launching missiles from mobile trucks and using disposable drone platforms, making it difficult for U.S. forces to effectively target them.
Sharpe explained that U.S. airstrikes suffer from a time lag in targeting Houthi (Ansar Allah) launch platforms, giving them a strategic advantage. He also noted that the new captain of the aircraft carrier USS Truman, Chris Hill, is facing major challenges amid escalating military operations.
The former British Navy commander argued that even if U.S. strikes succeed, the Houthis (Ansar Allah) may continue targeting ships to maintain pressure in the region—stating that “Trump’s missiles are no more effective than Biden’s bombs.”
He reaffirmed that airstrikes alone will not stop the Houthis (Ansar Allah), warning that the conflict could turn into a prolonged war of attrition that weakens the U.S. Navy.
