Yemeni forces consider ground assault on Houthis, US airstrikes continue

The U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen is entering its second month

Now a new front could be opening on the ground. The Houthi attacks keep coming and America's regional allies are weighing their next move

but the conflict may be shifting. Yemeni forces backed by the internationally recognized government

say U.S. strikes weakened Houthi positions along the Red Sea coast and they now see a chance to launch a ground offensive

American officials confirmed the plan is under discussion, but say no final decision has been made

The proposed ground assault would target the strategic port of Hodeidah. It serves as a key supply hub and is widely viewed by Western officials

as a likely entry point for Iranian weapons. If successful, the operation would cut off Houthi weapons and revenue streams

which would disrupt the attacks on shipping. U.S. forces began airstrikes in mid-March

after the Houthis launched drones and missiles at commercial vessels and toward Israel

The Pentagon deployed two aircraft carriers to the region and says it carried out more

than 350 strikes on weapons depots, command centers, and launch sites. Despite that Houthi leaders continued to claim strikes against U ships and Israel Most of the Houthis attacks on ships were thwarted but the militants did bring down some American drones The Houthis

say they shot down at least 16 MQ-9 Reapers since the conflict started. U.S. officials acknowledged

reports of attacks on Reapers, but did not confirm any shootdowns. Houthi officials call the U.S

campaign a failure and threaten to escalate their own strikes. They also report several

civilian casualties from the U.S. air strikes, claims Washington has not directly addressed

The Houthis remain designated as a terrorist group. The Biden administration limited strikes

during its term, but the Trump administration extended targets to include top Houthi leaders

Some in Washington and elsewhere are also linking this campaign to White House efforts to pressure

Iran over its nuclear program. Saudi Arabia told both American and Yemeni representatives it would

not back a new ground war, citing the risk of renewed attacks. The UAE, however, supports the

idea. Some Yemeni militias say they're prepared to act against the Houthis with or without outside

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