The United States intends to increase support for Yemeni government forces in their fight against the Houthis, limiting its participation to air strikes without involving ground troops, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources in the US administration. According to the publication, the offensive of government forces supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should begin in the near future, since the Houthis have been significantly weakened by recent American attacks. In recent weeks, the US Air Force and Navy have carried out about 350 missile and bomb strikes on Ansar Allah targets, destroying weapons depots, including those supplied by Iran, and undermining the rebels' combat potential.

The main focus of the upcoming operation will be on the province of Hodeida in western Yemen. Up to 80 Yemeni army troops are planned to take part in the offensive, with the aim of capturing the strategically important port of Hodeida. The port, controlled by the Houthis since 2014, is a key hub for humanitarian aid and commercial supplies, making its liberation a priority for the government. Experts emphasize that success in Hodeida could pave the way for a further offensive on the capital Sanaa, which is also under Houthi control. Although the rebels hold about 40% of Yemen’s territory, their zone of control covers regions where up to 70% of the country’s population lives, making the task of government forces especially difficult.

The US air support, which includes strikes on Houthi positions, is aimed at weakening their defensive capabilities to ensure the success of the ground operation. Washington's decision to limit itself to air power reflects a desire to avoid direct involvement in a civil war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and created a humanitarian crisis. However, the large-scale US strikes have sparked protests among the Houthis and their supporters, who accuse the West of escalating the conflict.

The US has stepped up strikes against the Houthis after their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, threatening global supply chains. Since early March 2025, the US Air Force has carried out more than 400 strikes, destroying about 30% of the Houthis’ missile and drone arsenal, according to Pentagon estimates. CNN clarifies that the offensive on Hodeida will be supported not only by the UAE, but also by Saudi Arabia, which will provide aviation and logistics. The operation involves elite units of the “Giant Brigades”, trained by the UAE, numbering up to 20 people, which increases the chances of success.