Overview

• The US and Yemen's Houthi movement agreed to a ceasefire on May 6, halting a costly US air campaign that failed to achieve air superiority after 1,100 strikes and $1 billion spent.
• The Houthis have ceased targeting US vessels but continue missile and drone attacks on Israel, including a hypersonic missile intercepted near Ben Gurion Airport on May 13.
• US intelligence detected Houthi interest in negotiations days before the ceasefire, prompting talks mediated by Oman and bypassing Israel in the agreement.
• The US campaign faced significant setbacks, with the Houthis downing seven MQ-9 Reaper drones and damaging US naval assets, highlighting their military resilience.
• Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since 2023 caused major global trade disruptions, forcing rerouted shipping around the Cape of Good Hope and increasing costs.