Defense News

Red Sea

Iran-backed Houthi rebels are facing a shortage of drones and anti-ship ballistic missiles, according to a recent assessment by US Air Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich. This shortage comes months after the rebels initiated attacks on cargo ships passing through the Red Sea.

Grynkewich noted a slowdown in the pace of Houthi attacks, attributing it partly to retaliatory strikes by US forces. He stated that the persistent strikes have impacted the militia's behavior, leading to a decrease in their operational tempo.

While the exact extent of the rebels' depleted weapons supplies remains uncertain, Grynkewich acknowledged the challenge of assessing the situation due to Iran's involvement in supplying the Houthis with weapons.

The commander highlighted that the Houthis have launched over 12 anti-ship ballistic missiles, confirming previous estimates by Washington. However, he emphasized the difficulty in determining the exact inventory of weapons due to Iranian resupply efforts.

Grynkewich suggested that pressure from Iran might also be influencing the reduced frequency of Houthi attacks. He mentioned reports of other Iran-backed rebel groups pausing their assaults on US bases in the Middle East following increased retaliatory strikes by American troops.

However, Grynkewich acknowledged the independent nature of the Houthi group, stating that they may not be entirely responsive to directives from Tehran. He noted that even if Iran attempted to crack down on the rebels or cut off their supplies, it would take time for such actions to have a noticeable impact.

The assessment indicates a potential weakening of the Houthi rebels' capabilities due to supply shortages and external pressures. However, the exact impact on their future actions remains uncertain amidst ongoing dynamics in the region.