Public reactions in Yemen emerge following reports of potential U.S. ground intervention alongside sustained aerial bombardments targeting Houthi positions.
Recent media reports detailing potential preparations by the United States for a ground operation in Yemen have sparked significant reactions across social media platforms.
This comes as U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets have been ongoing for nearly three weeks.
According to U.S. sources, diplomatic channels indicate there are plans for American ground forces to operate along Yemen's coastline.
Analyses suggest that U.S. Navy and Saudi forces may be involved in efforts to secure the strategic port of Al Hudaydah.
However, some analysts have noted that the U.S. is unlikely to deploy ground troops, aside from a limited number of special forces intended to assist in coordinating aerial strikes.
Reports mention that the Yemeni government, which is aligned with Saudi Arabia, is preparing for a potential ground offensive aimed at reclaiming control of Al Hudaydah.
In conjunction with these developments, the Pentagon has confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Huigslooper has spoken with his Saudi counterpart to discuss regional security, the thwarting of Houthi capabilities, and the protection of maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
Yemeni citizens have expressed varied opinions in response to reports of a possible U.S. ground operation.
One user remarked that if such an operation were to occur, the U.S. would likely rely on mercenaries rather than deploying American soldiers directly.
Another commentator expressed skepticism, suggesting that the American military would hesitate to commit ground troops, citing a profound understanding of the risks involved given Yemen's conditions.
Conversely, some believe that a rapid military operation is imminent to retake Al Hudaydah from Houthi forces.
These exchanges have taken place in the context of ongoing military engagements, with President
Donald Trump asserting the effectiveness of airstrikes, claiming they have significantly weakened Houthi forces, which have posed threats to commercial vessels and aircraft.
The U.S. military has reportedly conducted over 20 airstrikes, targeting locations in areas such as Jirban in the Sanhan District and Al Jumaymah in the Bani Hashish District, both located near the capital, Sana'a. Additionally, airstrikes have focused on the Khamir Island off the coast of Al Hudaydah and various sites in Marib Province, northeastern Yemen.
U.S. Central Command has released footage purportedly demonstrating fighter jets being armed before launching attacks from the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman against Houthi targets.
In reaction, Houthi forces have claimed to have launched missiles aimed at U.S. destroyers and reportedly targeted areas within occupied territories.
The Israeli military has reported intercepting drones before they could enter its airspace.
According to estimates, while the U.S. aerial campaign has led to the death of approximately 80 Houthi military officers, primarily at the mid-level command structure, higher echelons of leadership within the group appear to have been less affected by the strikes.