Houthis Claim Near Success in Targeting US F-35

The Yemeni group Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, has showcased its military prowess by posing significant challenges to US forces. In a recent engagement over Yemen, Houthi air defenses nearly succeeded in downing multiple F-16C fighters and a fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the US Air Force. Pentagon sources reported that the attack was thwarted thanks to the pilots’ tactical maneuvers and advanced electronic warfare systems. This incident underscores the Houthis’ persistent capability to threaten even the latest Western military technology, despite the ongoing conflict. Reports from Arab media outlets, suggest that sophisticated surface-to-air missiles, allegedly provided by Iran, were utilized in the assault.

In response, the US administration has concluded a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi strongholds and ammunition depots, aimed at diminishing Ansar Allah’s military capacity and safeguarding maritime operations in the Red Sea. However, Pentagon statements indicate a shift in strategy rather than a complete withdrawal of US forces from the region. B-52H Stratofortress bombers are being deployed to Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean, replacing the stealthy B-2A Spirit bombers. This maneuver aims to maintain a military presence while reducing risks to valuable stealth aircraft. The B-52H, capable of launching long-range cruise missiles, will allow the US to engage from a safer distance, thereby lessening the threat posed by Houthi air defense systems.

Houthis Down Another US MQ-9A Reaper Drone

The Ansar Allah militia in Yemen has reported the interception of yet another US MQ-9A Reaper drone over its territory, marking the 23rd such incident. This event underscores the ongoing tensions in the region despite a recent ceasefire led by the US. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saria announced that the drone was downed using surface-to-air missiles in Marib province, further illustrating the group’s sustained military capabilities in the face of extensive US and allied operations.

In light of these developments, the Trump administration has opted to terminate its military operation in Yemen, which aimed to weaken the Houthis and secure shipping routes in the Red Sea. The New York Times noted that this decision was influenced by several factors, including the high costs of the campaign, significant equipment losses, and a lack of meaningful outcomes. Over the course of just one month, the operation incurred expenses exceeding $1 billion in munitions, raising concerns within the Pentagon about depleting resources needed to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. A pivotal incident that contributed to this decision was the crash of two F/A-18E/F fighters from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea in April 2025, which highlighted the risks of persisting with the operation against Houthi resistance.

Originally, the military campaign in Yemen was envisioned as a multi-phase initiative. General Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, devised a plan that spanned 8 to 10 months. The initial phase aimed at dismantling Houthi air defense systems, facilitating strikes against the group’s leadership, akin to Israel’s tactics against Hezbollah. However, disagreements within the US administration emerged shortly after the operation commenced. Key figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Chief of Staff Susie Wales, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine, advocated for scaling back the operation due to its ineffectiveness and high costs. Defense Secretary Pete Hessett maintained a more cautious stance, without taking a definitive position. Ultimately, President Trump, as reported by sources, was firmly opposed to the continuation of the campaign.