US-backed Yemeni forces intercept ‘massive’ Iranian weapons shipment intended for Houthis. This is a big deal, apparently. The news coming out is that a coalition of forces, supported by the US, managed to grab a huge stash of weaponry and equipment that was on its way to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. It’s being hailed as a significant victory, with CENTCOM, the US military command in the region, going so far as to call it the “largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history.” We’re talking about over 750 tons of munitions and hardware, including anti-aircraft missiles, drone engines, and communications gear.… Continue reading
A Pakistani man has been convicted of supplying Iranian weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a case highlighting the complex web of international arms trafficking and the ongoing conflict in the region. This conviction underscores the significant role some Pakistani individuals play in facilitating the flow of weapons, and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing counter-terrorism measures.
The conviction itself, while seemingly a straightforward case of arms smuggling, reveals a deeper, more troubling reality. The fact that Iranian weapons were involved suggests a broader network of support for the Houthis, extending beyond the borders of Yemen and implicating other states in the conflict.… Continue reading
Following negotiations mediated by Oman, the US will cease its air strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. This decision comes after the Houthis reportedly informed the US administration of their desire to end hostilities and halt attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The agreement ensures freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of commercial shipping through the crucial waterway. This de-escalation follows months of increased US airstrikes and Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.
Read More
In less than 24 hours, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a second wave of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, notably striking Sanaa International Airport, rendering it inoperable. These strikes, targeting infrastructure used for weapons transfers and terror operations, followed similar attacks on the Hodeidah port. The IDF emphasized the precision of the strikes and measures to minimize civilian harm while asserting its commitment to forcefully counter threats to Israel. The unprecedented public evacuation warning issued in Arabic highlighted the escalating tensions and the IDF’s determination to prevent further attacks.
Read More
During a hard turn to avoid Houthi fire in the Red Sea, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet slipped from its tow and fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman. The incident, resulting in the aircraft sinking, caused minor injury to one sailor while all other personnel are accounted for. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Despite the loss, valued at over $60 million, the Truman Carrier Strike Group maintains full mission capability.
Read More
A U.S. air strike on a migrant detention center in Saada, Yemen, resulted in the deaths of at least 68 African migrants, according to Houthi-run media. The attack, which injured another 47 migrants, occurred hours after U.S. Central Command announced intensified strikes against Houthi targets. Houthi authorities condemned the bombing as a war crime, a claim supported by eyewitness accounts detailing the horrific scene and the lack of nearby military installations. The incident follows a pattern of civilian casualties in the ongoing Yemen conflict, raising concerns about the targeting of non-combatants.
Read More
In less than six weeks, Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven U.S. Reaper drones, costing over $200 million. This escalating conflict prompted increased U.S. airstrikes targeting over 800 Houthi sites since March 15th, resulting in the deployment of two aircraft carriers to the region. Simultaneously, concerns are rising regarding civilian casualties from these strikes, with senators questioning the adequacy of harm mitigation measures. The Houthis continue to launch attacks on both military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea.
Read More
The recent downing of seven US military Reaper drones by Houthi rebels in Yemen is a significant event, highlighting several key issues. The reported cost of $334 million (NZD), which translates to approximately $200 million USD, is a substantial loss, raising questions about both the vulnerability of these drones and the effectiveness of US military spending. However, it’s important to understand that this figure likely represents the total contract price, incorporating ground equipment, maintenance, and other associated costs, rather than simply the unit price of each drone.
This incident underscores the growing sophistication of Houthi air defense capabilities. The rebels’ ability to successfully target and shoot down seven drones points to improved intelligence gathering, training, and possibly access to advanced weaponry.… Continue reading
President Trump notified Congress of increased military action in the Middle East, deploying additional combat forces to counter Houthi attacks on American personnel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This deployment follows weeks of U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi weapons, leadership, and command centers, utilizing naval ships, bombers, and drones. Simultaneously, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen for allegedly supporting Houthi operations. The President’s directive emphasizes the need to protect U.S. interests and asserts that the military actions are compliant with the War Powers Resolution.
Read More
Following intensified U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen and increased American military deployment, Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat threatened further escalation, claiming U.S. strategies have failed. Mashat’s comments, delivered after a military meeting, highlight the escalating conflict in the Red Sea, threatening vital shipping lanes. The Houthis claim successful attacks against U.S. assets, though U.S. officials haven’t confirmed these claims. The situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. pressure on the Iran-backed group and the potential for further conflict.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker