Can Yemen’s government forces sustain their offensive against the Houthis?

The Houthi missile campaign along Yemen's Red Sea coast is not just a military maneuver; it is a calculated attempt to sever the logistical lifeline of government forces. By targeting supply routes, the Houthis aim to force a strategic retreat without committing to a costly ground offensive. The question of sustainability, therefore, hinges less on troop morale and more on the resilience of supply chains that stretch across contested terrain.

For the government forces, the offensive's viability depends on external support and the ability to secure alternative corridors. If the Red Sea routes remain under threat, the cost of resupply rises exponentially, and every delay compounds the strategic disadvantage. The Houthis understand this calculus, which is why their missile strikes are concentrated on choke points rather than front-line positions.

The broader implication is that this conflict, like many modern wars, is as much about logistics as it is about firepower. The side that can sustain its supply lines while disrupting the enemy's will likely dictate the pace of the campaign. For now, the Houthis hold the initiative, and the government forces must either adapt their strategy or risk a stalemate that favors the defenders.