Yemen : "Billions Spent, Limited Impact" ... The Cost of the US War on Houthi Sites

Yemen Online

19-05-2025

The United States has spent nearly $1 billion on military operations against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, yet the attacks have had limited impact on dismantling the group's capabilities.
Since launching the offensive on March 15, the US military has deployed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of munitions, including JASSM long-range cruise missiles, JSOW glide bombs, and Tomahawk missiles.
Despite these efforts, intelligence reports indicate that Houthi stockpiles remain largely intact, allowing the group to continue targeting ships in the Red Sea.
The Pentagon may need to request additional funding from Congress to sustain the operation, but bipartisan criticism has cast doubt on whether such funding will be approved.
Meanwhile, the Houthis have mocked the US, highlighting the disparity in costs—Washington is reportedly launching $2 million defense missiles to intercept $2,000 Houthi drones.
As the conflict drags on, concerns grow over the long-term financial burden and the strategic effectiveness of the US military campaign.
Defense officials acknowledge that while some Houthi leadership figures have been eliminated, the group continues to fortify underground bunkers and maintain weapons stockpiles.