Trump's Military Aggression in Yemen a Total Failure and Costly Mistake: National Interest
National Interest op-ed calls Operation Rough Rider ineffective, urges Gaza ceasefire as the only viable solution to ending Ansar Allah’s operations
Yemen, PUREWILAYAH.COM - In a detailed op-ed published by The National Interest on Monday, political analyst Will A. Smith argued that the United States' military campaign against Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement was fruitless, extremely costly, and strategically misguided.
He praised U.S. President Donald Trump for halting the aggression and urged him to resist rising calls to reengage.
Smith pointed out that Operation Rough Rider, launched in mid-March, was initially framed as a response to Ansar Allah’s regional activities.
However, at the time of the launch, the Yemeni group was not targeting American forces but was instead conducting operations focused on "Israel." Despite spending approximately $1 billion on the campaign, the Yemeni Armed Forces continued directing their attacks toward Israeli-linked assets.
Trump's Decision to Disengage Called Prudent
The author commended Trump’s choice to halt the campaign, describing it as a sound decision both financially and strategically. Smith warned, however, that as Ansar Allah operations continue and frustrations grow among hawkish voices in Washington—including within Trump’s own political circle—there is renewed pressure to resume military actions.
He cautioned that the Trump administration must remain committed to its disengagement, arguing that a return to the battlefield would only lead to further losses without achieving meaningful outcomes.
A Billion-Dollar Blunder with No Strategic Gains
Smith characterized the operation as a “billion-dollar blunder,” asserting that U.S. bombings failed to degrade Ansar Allah’s capabilities.
Despite heavy aerial strikes, the Yemeni group retained its operational strength and persisted with attacks in the Red Sea region.
Shipping companies have refused to resume passage through the area, highlighting the failure of U.S. military efforts to restore maritime security. The campaign’s lack of success was made even more apparent when CENTCOM shifted its focus from battlefield outcomes to the mere counting of munitions expended.
Airstrikes Could Not Annihilate Ansarallah
Trump’s vow to “completely annihilate” Ansarallah, Smith argued, was unrealistic from the outset. Drawing from military history, he emphasized the proven limitations of airpower when used against decentralized militant movements.
Ansarallah’s survival through years of Saudi-led aerial bombardment had allowed it to develop a resilient system for dispersing and replacing its weapons.
No amount of precision airstrikes could eliminate its ability to strike shipping lanes, particularly with low-cost drones and missiles.
U.S. Resources Overstretched in Futile Campaign
The operation placed immense pressure on U.S. defense resources. Prolonged deployment of carrier strike groups, rapid depletion of precision-guided munitions, and an overstretched supply chain weakened the U.S. military’s broader posture—particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington has sought to shift strategic focus.
The cost-inefficiency was glaring: multimillion-dollar missiles were being used to destroy relatively inexpensive drones, revealing the imbalance and waste inherent in the campaign.
Risk of Escalation and Mission Creep
The op-ed further warned of dangerous escalation scenarios. Leaked CENTCOM plans reportedly included an Israeli-style assassination campaign expected to last eight to ten months—raising alarms about the potential for uncontrolled mission creep.
Smith warned that some U.S. officials had considered supporting local Yemeni opposition forces on the ground, a move that would significantly escalate the conflict and expose American troops to greater danger.
Gaza Ceasefire Is the Only Path to Stability
Smith concluded that the only path to ending Ansar Allah’s attacks is not through renewed military action but by securing a ceasefire in Gaza. He cited evidence that Ansar Allah had temporarily paused its operations in January, indicating a direct link between their campaign and developments in Gaza.
He emphasized that no amount of bombing would force the Yemeni group to back down while the war on Gaza continues. Instead, Washington should focus on diplomatic efforts to broker peace and reduce tensions in the region.
Smith closed the piece by recognizing the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the conflict. While he criticized the initial launch of the operation, he noted that it takes political courage to admit strategic failure and step away.
“Too often, sunk-cost thinking, concerns about ‘credibility,’ and fears of political backlash have prevented leaders from cutting their losses,” Smith wrote. “Trump smartly walked away. Now, he must face down calls to reengage in a futile endeavor.” (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen