Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, revealed Wednesday in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that U.S. military operations against the Iran-backed Houthi militia have resulted in severe losses—including the deaths of senior commanders and the degradation of the group’s military capabilities.
“That number continues to rise as the strikes persist,” Al-Eryani said.
According to field estimates, the Houthis have lost approximately 30% of their military strength since the beginning of the U.S.-led campaign. Al-Eryani emphasized that while the blow has been significant, it does not yet amount to a complete defeat.
365 U.S. Strikes Since March: Missiles, Drones, and Ammunition Depots Targeted
The U.S. campaign, launched March 15 by order of President Donald Trump, has so far included over 365 air and naval strikes, targeting ballistic missile sites, drone launch pads, and weapons storage facilities—primarily in Houthi strongholds in northern Yemen.
President Trump declared earlier this week: “We’ve destroyed the Houthis’ capabilities. We eliminated many of their leaders and experts. This pressure will continue.”
Terror Activity Slows—but Iran Still Providing Support
Al-Eryani noted a significant drop in the Houthis’ ability to carry out terrorist attacks. However, he cautioned that the group continues to receive logistical aid from Iran via smuggling routes and emphasized the need for continued military, diplomatic, and economic pressure, along with support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis!
They will never sink our ships again! pic.twitter.com/lEzfyDgWP5
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 4, 2025
Last week, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported that Iran had ordered the withdrawal of some of its personnel from Yemen, aiming to avoid a direct confrontation with the U.S.
Al-Eryani also claimed the Houthis are concealing the full extent of their losses—particularly among command-level ranks—to avoid damaging morale and losing control on the ground.
