The Trump administration’s offensive against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, branded as Operation Rough Rider, has not yielded a decisive victory despite enormous expenditure. Since March 2025, the U.S. has spent over $1 billion, according to officials, deploying thousands of bombs and missiles, as well as losing seven drones and two fighter jets.
Despite this effort, the Houthis continue to operate effectively, even launching a missile targeting Israel’s main airport. The military campaign has drained resources without significantly degrading the militant group’s capabilities.
In a surprising shift, President Trump announced a deal to suspend U.S. operations against the Houthis in exchange for a halt to attacks on American ships. The agreement, reportedly brokered with help from Oman, covers only U.S. vessels, leaving the Houthis free to continue targeting Israeli interests and international shipping. The terms remain vague, and it’s unclear how the deal was reached or how long it might hold, but it may serve as a temporary off-ramp from a costly and unresolved conflict.
High Costs And Low Clarity As US Campaign Faced Intelligence And Strategy Challenges
Measuring success in the campaign was difficult. Drones sent to assess airstrikes were often downed by the Houthis, and no U.S. forces were on the ground to evaluate the mission’s effectiveness. Defense officials voiced frustration at the lack of reliable intelligence.
Operation Rough Rider Ends in Costly Stalemate as U.S. Strikes Fail to Weaken Houthi RebelsMeanwhile, internal debates within the Trump administration revealed hesitation about how far to push the campaign, echoing similar doubts seen under the Biden administration, which initially developed a long-term strategy but withheld action before Trump took office.
The military operation included the use of high-cost munitions, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and 2,000-pound bombs, with estimates reaching over $775 million in munitions alone, though some defense officials contest this figure, claiming it’s closer to $400 million. Additional costs included transporting and sustaining two Patriot missile defense systems, with airlift operations involving 73 C-17 flights at $27,000 per hour. These logistical expenses added tens of millions to the overall cost of the campaign.
Ceasefire Offers Temporary Relief, But Houthi Threat and Yemen Conflict Still Persist
Even if the Houthis comply with the ceasefire, the broader threat they pose remains unchanged. Experts like Dana Stroul argue that while U.S. ships might avoid attacks temporarily, the Houthis will likely continue launching missiles at Israel and remain a danger to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The ceasefire may give the Trump administration a narrative of restored “freedom of navigation,” but it doesn’t solve the root issues in Yemen or end the civil war.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations have grappled with the depth of commitment needed for a successful campaign against the Houthis. While Trump increased military pressure, including empowering Gen. Michael Kurilla with expanded authority, internal conflicts and public leaks revealed skepticism within the administration.
Ultimately, without a sustained, high-level strategic focus, experts doubt the U.S. can permanently neutralize the Houthi threat, raising questions about the effectiveness and direction of American policy in the region.
