Houthis Mock U.S. "Failure" After Month of Attacks

The Yemen-based Houthis have described a month of U.S. airstrikes against the group as a "failure," as they vow to escalate attacks.

"The U.S. cannot claim, let alone prove, that it has achieved any objective with this operation," Nasruddin Amer, Head of Houthi-controlled Saba'a News Agency, told Newsweek.

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for comment.

Why It Matters

The defiance of the Houthis is a challenge to President Donald Trump, whose assault on the Iran-backed group was the first major military operation of his second presidency and who has vowed to destroy the group.

The U.S. attacks are a response to Houthi missile attacks on one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes through the Red Sea and on Israel. They are also linked to U.S. aims of degrading Iran's proxies in the region and send a message to Tehran at a time the United States is threatening to strike its nuclear program.

What To Know

The Houthis say the U.S. military campaign, aimed at their stronghold in Sana'a and other parts of Yemen, has not deterred their military capacities and attacks.

The Pentagon has deployed the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier into the Central Command's (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, alongside the USS Harry S. Truman.

"Being forced to send a second aircraft carrier means the earlier ones failed," the Houthi spokesperson said in comments to Newsweek.

U.S. strikes reportedly targeted weapons stockpiles and command centers. U.S. officials also say dozens of Houthi fighters have been killed. The Houthis say many Yemeni civilians have been among the casualties.

The Houthis continue to announce attacks using drones and ballistic missiles on the USS Harry S. Truman and on Israel. But no damage has been reported.

The cost of the U.S. military offensive on Yemen is near $1 billion, CNN cited officials as saying last week.

Media reports have indicated a possible ground operation against the Houthis by Yemen's internationally recognized government forces, supported by the U.S., but these are not confirmed.

What People Are Saying

Nasruddin Amer, Head of Houthi-controlled Saba'a News Agency told Newsweek: "The U.S. has not even been able to ensure the passage of a single Israeli ship, nor has it managed to stop the launch of missiles and drones deep into Israeli territory, including the targeting of occupied Tel Aviv–Jaffa. The downing of U.S. MQ-9 drones continue unabated, and now the Yemeni people are taking to the streets in the millions, in even greater numbers than before, holding firm to their stance and calling for an escalation in operations. So what exactly has the U.S. achieved so far?"

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X: "24/7 strikes from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) across multiple Iran-backed Houthi locations..."

U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: "I think many people have seen the reports regarding actions that may or may not be happening on the ground in Yemen as the Houthis' ability to resist is degraded."

What Happens Next

The fighting is only likely to intensify between the U.S. and the Houthis.