The U.S. military has conducted an air campaign in Yemen named Operation Rough Rider, targeting over 800 sites associated with the Houthi militia, including command centers and weapons facilities. Initiated on March 15 by President Trump, the campaign aims to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and has already incurred costs exceeding $1 billion. Concerns over the rapid consumption of munitions have emerged, as these are crucial for potential conflicts in the Asia-Pacific, especially against China. The campaign has been criticized for potential civilian casualties, with over 100 civilians reportedly killed, though the U.S. military has not publicly acknowledged these figures. Additionally, leaked operational details shared by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on encrypted chats have raised security concerns within the Pentagon.

Operation Rough Rider, an air campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, has struck over 800 targets, including command-and-control facilities and weapons storage sites, to disintegrate Houthi capabilities and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The campaign, ordered by President Trump on March 15, has already cost more than $1 billion, with $200 million spent on munitions in the first three weeks, raising concerns about the depletion of critical weapons needed for potential conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Houthis have been targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza residents and Hamas, amidst ongoing conflicts with Israel and Saudi Arabia's previous failed attempts to subdue the Houthis.

Despite the high operational tempo and significant financial expenditure, the campaign's impact on civilian populations is contentious, with reports of over 100 civilian casualties, though the U.S. military has not confirmed these figures.

Security issues have arisen due to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharing classified operational details on Signal, an encrypted messaging app, which included unintended recipients, highlighting concerns over information security within the Pentagon.

The campaign has been viewed critically by some conservative circles, arguing against further military entanglements in the Middle East, reflecting on the historical consequences of U.S. involvement in regional conflicts post-9/11.

U.S. Central Command, overseeing this operation, emphasizes the deterrence of Houthi threats to maritime navigation, although the Red Sea's significance to global shipping, particularly for U.S. businesses, is limited compared to European reliance.