Additional Coverage:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely was captured sailing in the Red Sea on June 7, as depicted in a US Navy photograph.
The US Navy has been engaged in a continuous struggle against the Houthis in the Red Sea for more than half a year. This conflict is draining resources without any end in sight, leading to concerns regarding its sustainability. Despite the Navy’s best efforts, experts indicate that the Houthis continue to pose a threat to vital shipping lanes.
Operations in the Middle East have seen US Navy ships operating non-stop in an intensifying environment, attempting to counter the Houthis’ relentless assaults. Five months following a series of airstrikes by the US-led coalition intended to weaken the Houthis, the group persists in its disruptive actions. With attacks involving missiles, bomb-laden boats, and drones, these insurgents have transformed crucial maritime passages into hazardous zones.
Recently, the Houthis escalated their attacks, targeting multiple ships in the past week, leading US officials to believe these disruptions are far from over. The conflict is proving costly for the US, both financially and in terms of the durability of its naval fleet, even though American warships have not been directly hit. The rebels’ actions not only underscore their significance in Iran’s proxy network but also show their continuing capability to menace commercial shipping routes.
Questions arise about the sustainability of the US military effort, especially given the substantial resources already expended in the conflict. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group alone has launched over 500 munitions and its aircraft have logged thousands of flight hours, with the cost of used munitions nearing $1 billion as of mid-April—a figure that has likely increased since then.
The Pentagon has yet to disclose the total expenses related to the counter-Houthi missions, but the costs are mounting. The use of expensive munitions to neutralize comparatively inexpensive Houthi weapons challenges the financial feasibility of continuing these operations, notwithstanding the Pentagon’s assurances of sustaining missile expenditures and the Navy’s operational capacities.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines acknowledges the likelihood of ongoing Houthi activity, hinting at a prolonged US military engagement in the region. Despite concerns about sustainability, figures such as retired Gen. Joseph Votel and White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasize the continued US commitment to combating the Houthi threat, emphasizing the critical need to protect commercial shipping against further attacks.
The US combined military efforts, including joint strikes with the UK, aim to diminish the Houthis’ power, although there’s consensus among experts regarding the inefficacy of these military strategies. The broader picture reveals the Houthis’ significant impact on global maritime trade, particularly through their ability to disrupt one of the busiest trading routes in the world.
With the future impact of the Houthis on regional and global stability uncertain, experts agree that addressing the challenge posed by the Houthis will require a complex approach, blending military efforts with long-term political and diplomatic engagements. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant, understanding that an effective resolution may demand extensive effort beyond immediate military actions.