The United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon, revealed the military losses suffered by the Houthis, indicating that more than 100 missiles and launch platforms were destroyed in the strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder, in a press conference reported by the American satellite channel “Al Hurra” on Friday evening, stated that the strikes on the Iran-backed Houthis, which began last January, destroyed more than 100 missiles and launch platforms.
Ryder added that since the first coalition strikes on January 11, more than 100 missiles and launch platforms, as well as several drones, radars, and weapons storage areas, have been destroyed. He continued that the strikes on February 3 caused severe damage or destroyed 35 out of 36 targets, including weapons storage locations, radars, three helicopters, command and control centers, and missile systems.
Houthi-affiliated media outlets earlier reported that American and British bombings on Friday targeted the Khatib and Jabana areas in Hodeidah, and another targeted the Taif area in the Hodeidah district of Al-Durayhimi.
The US response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Yemen has been multifaceted, involving direct military action, strategic initiatives, and diplomatic efforts. Following a series of attacks by the Houthis, including the targeting of commercial vessels and military assets in the Red Sea, the US has engaged in defensive actions and established a multinational initiative, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to enhance security in the region. This initiative includes a coalition of countries committed to ensuring the free flow of navigation through vital international waterways.
The US has also weighed the risks of its responses to Houthi provocations, especially considering the strategic implications of escalating tensions in the region. The Biden administration has had to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, balancing the need for decisive action against the Houthis with the potential consequences of broadening regional conflicts. Israeli pressure for a more robust US military response contrasts with Saudi Arabia’s call for restraint, highlighting the divergent interests of key US allies in the Middle East.
