NYN | News
Two prominent nominees for top military leadership positions in the U.S. Army stated that the forces in Sanaa still pose an ongoing challenge to the United States and its interests in the region, despite the ceasefire agreement announced last May.
During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II—nominated to lead U.S. Central Command—said that the Houthis (Ansar Allah) remain capable of launching attacks that threaten U.S. interests and those of its partners, as well as having the ability to disrupt freedom of navigation at any time.
Cooper explained that, since October 7, 2023, Sanaa’s forces have carried out over 300 attacks targeting the U.S. Navy and international commercial vessels, using anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, and have also launched direct attacks on Israel.
When asked about “Operation Rugged Rider,” which the Trump administration launched against Yemen, Cooper stated: “We fully recognize that what was achieved was temporary, and that Central Command remains fully prepared to respond if Houthi (Ansar Allah) forces target American interests.”
He added that these forces still retain significant offensive capabilities and that their decisions are influenced by broader regional dynamics, including the war in Gaza and the escalation between Israel and Iran. He noted that the Houthis (Ansar Allah) have hinted at a possible response against U.S. interests if direct American involvement in the conflict is detected.
Cooper continued: “Our ability to sustain deterrence depends on maintaining comprehensive government pressure, keeping high readiness levels among response forces, and ensuring effective support and participation from regional partners.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, Director of Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and nominee to lead U.S. forces in Europe, stated during the same session that the Houthis (Ansar Allah) will likely continue to pose a persistent problem, and that the U.S. will likely have to confront them again in the future.
