Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces seek US backing for strategic strike on Hodeidah port city

Yemen’s anti-Houthi factions are intensifying efforts to secure US military support for potential operations targeting Houthi-controlled territories, particularly the crucial port city of Hodeidah.

This shift comes in the wake of intensified US airstrikes against Houthi infrastructure and leadership, a response to growing concerns over Houthi actions in the Red Sea, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The conflict, which has been largely stagnant for the past three years, now sees pro-government factions signaling possible military actions against areas held by the Iran-backed Houthis. A similar operation targeting Hodeidah was considered in 2018 but was ultimately shelved after international concerns of a humanitarian disaster.

Despite the renewed focus on military action, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of success. Independent Yemen analyst Hannah Porter suggests that recent statements from pro-government factions may be more about attracting external support, rather than actual military movements. 

"These comments are likely aimed at garnering US or Saudi backing for a takeover of Hodeidah," she said, urging caution in interpreting such remarks. The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014, continue to hold substantial territory in the country, including much of northwest Yemen. 

Despite facing setbacks, the Houthis maintain strong military capabilities, making any ground operation difficult. Yemen’s political landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, with the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) taking over after President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s resignation in 2022. However, internal divisions within the PLC have hindered effective governance and military action. 

As the situation evolves, anti-Houthi factions, including the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), continue lobbying for US backing. However, experts caution that substantial ground forces and coordination would be needed for success, with airstrikes alone unlikely to defeat the Houthis’ entrenched position.

By Naila Huseynova