For nearly ten years, Yemen has been mired in a brutal war, with the Ansarallah movement (also known as the Houthis) evolving into a powerful force defying both the Saudi-led coalition and, more recently, the United States.
Despite enduring intense aerial bombardments and a crushing blockade, Ansarallah has not only retained control over major parts of Yemen but has also demonstrated growing military reach, altering the strategic landscape of the region.
The conflict escalated in March 2015 when Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of nine nations, launched “Operation Decisive Storm” to reverse Ansarallah’s takeover of the capital, Sana’a, and reinstate the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The intervention began with airstrikes and a comprehensive blockade but ultimately failed to remove Ansarallah from power. Tehran Times published this article today.
Strategic missteps and logistical flaws marred the coalition’s campaign, which only deepened Yemen’s humanitarian catastrophe. Civilian infrastructure was decimated, and thousands were killed or displaced. Meanwhile, Ansarallah, skilled in guerrilla warfare, capitalized on coalition errors, extended their territorial grip, and even launched missile and drone strikes inside Saudi Arabia.
The war eventually ground into a military deadlock, bleeding Saudi resources and exposing the kingdom’s military shortcomings.
U.S. Intervention Falters Under “Operation Rough Rider”
In March 2025, during Donald Trump’s second presidential term, the United States launched “Operation Rough Rider”—a campaign of air and naval strikes aimed at weakening Ansarallah’s military infrastructure, including air defenses, radar systems, and missile sites. The U.S. stated the goal was to protect Red Sea shipping routes and degrade Ansarallah’s capacity to target maritime traffic, particularly vessels linked to Israel amid the Gaza crisis.
While the U.S. touted some operational achievements, the broader effectiveness of the campaign remains uncertain. The Trump administration’s strategy faltered due to key miscalculations: it underestimated Ansarallah’s adaptability, over-relied on force, and ignored the underlying political and social dimensions of the conflict.
Heavy civilian casualties from American airstrikes only intensified local animosity, further delegitimizing the U.S. role. By choosing escalation over engagement, Washington risked inflaming regional instability rather than containing it.
Asymmetric Tactics Anchor Ansarallah’s Strength
Ansarallah’s endurance is largely credited to its strategic use of asymmetric warfare—employing guerrilla tactics, drones, and missiles to offset the technological superiority of its enemies. Their intimate understanding of Yemen’s rugged geography, particularly in the northern highlands, and their exploitation of fissures within opposing factions have allowed them to consolidate power.
These advantages have helped Ansarallah survive repeated military offensives and expanded their regional influence, cementing their status as a key player in the Middle East’s shifting geopolitical equation.
