- US ends 800+ airstrikes following Houthi pledge to halt ship attacks
- Oman brokers fragile ceasefire amid conflicting Houthi statements
- $210M in US military losses reported during 6-week campaign
- Israeli strikes continue despite de-escalation efforts
The Trump administration's surprise policy shift marks a dramatic reversal in Middle Eastern military strategy. Following 47 days of sustained aerial assaults, Pentagon officials confirm the cessation of all combat operations against Houthi positions effective immediately. This decision comes amid unverified claims of backchannel negotiations facilitated by Omani diplomats.
Regional security analysts highlight the economic implications of restored Red Sea navigation rights. The Bab al-Mandab Strait handles 12% of global trade,notes Gulf States Institute researcher Amira Al-Farsi. Eight major shipping companies diverted $9B in cargo since March - this agreement could stabilize maritime markets within weeks.
Contradictions emerged hours after Trump's Oval Office announcement when Houthi officials described the arrangement as preliminary discussionsrather than binding terms. This discrepancy raises questions about verification protocols for non-state actor agreements. CENTCOM's unusual silence on operational details further complicates damage assessment from the 800+ precision strikes conducted since mid-March.
The human cost remains staggering despite diplomatic progress. Yemeni health authorities report 745+ civilian casualties from US-led operations, including 74 fatalities at Ras Isa port. Washington confirms losing seven MQ-9 Reapers and one F/A-18E Super Hornet - equipment losses exceeding $240M. Military strategists warn these losses expose vulnerabilities in drone warfare against asymmetric threats.
Israeli Defense Forces continue independent strikes on Houthi targets, bombing Sanaa International Airport for the third consecutive day. This unilateral action threatens to undermine multinational de-escalation efforts, particularly after Sunday's missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport. Observers note growing tensions between US diplomatic initiatives and Israel's regional security agenda.
Historical context reveals this conflict's roots in the 2023 Gaza war escalation. Houthi leaders originally framed their Red Sea campaign as Palestinian solidarity, targeting vessels linked to Israel's allies. The US response intensified three days before Israel resumed Gaza operations, creating parallel military fronts that strained international mediation attempts.
Political fallout continues in Washington following Signal app security breaches that exposed strike planning details. The administration's abrupt replacement of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz suggests ongoing internal discord. Secretary Rubio's characterization of operations as freedom of navigation enforcementfaces scrutiny given the conflict's complex geopolitical origins.
