(Financial Times-UK) Felicia Schwartz - The U.S. military's attempt to halt Yemen-based attacks on Red Sea shipping is being hindered by insufficient intelligence about the Houthi militants' arsenal and full capabilities, according to American officials. While the Pentagon is confident that weeks of missile strikes have destroyed much weaponry, the extent of the damage is unclear because the U.S. lacked a detailed assessment of the group's capabilities before launching its bombing campaign. The U.S. and UK launched air strikes on Houthi positions on Jan. 12 and have pounded the group periodically in the seven weeks since. The campaign has destroyed or degraded 150 targets, the Pentagon said. But the Houthis, who endured almost a decade of bombardment by a Saudi-led coalition before the current conflict, have proven adept at resupplying their positions, and have continued to menace ships in the region. The Houthis have hit four U.S.-flagged commercial ships passing through waters near Yemen since Nov. 19, according to the Pentagon. They have attacked or threatened U.S. Navy or commercial vessels 62 times over the same period. Western officials said the U.S. has recently broadened the campaign to include efforts to interdict weapons before they get to Houthi fighters.
2024-03-15 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive