A Decade of “Operation Decisive Storm”: Recycling Failure in Yemen

As ten years have passed since the launch of the American-Saudi aggression against Yemen on March 26, 2015, an important question arises: What have the enemies achieved through this relentless campaign?

Before delving into the results of this war, it is essential to highlight several key points:

First, the aggression, launched under the name “Operation Decisive Storm,” was announced from Washington with full American sponsorship, blessing, and support. However, the circumstances at the time did not allow the U.S. to overtly lead the coalition, so it resorted to a “leading from behind” strategy, entrusting the task to its vengeful Saudi proxy, along with numerous countries that rushed to join the coalition.

Second, at the time of the aggression, Yemen posed no threat to its regional or international neighbors. The leadership of the revolution consistently sent reassurances, emphasizing Yemen’s commitment to equal and sovereign relations with all nations. However, Saudi Arabia— which had long treated Yemen as its backyard— lost its influence with the victory of the September 21, 2014 Revolution. Similarly, the Americans were humiliatingly expelled from Sana’a on February 11, 2015, just weeks before the brutal aggression began.

Third, and most crucially, the real fear of the U.S., the Israeli enemy, and Saudi Arabia was the emergence of a new Yemen— one that regained control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait and restored its maritime sovereignty. This posed a serious concern for these powers, who saw Yemen as a threat to shipping routes through Bab al-Mandab. Their objective was to eliminate this perceived danger before it materialized. However, the events of the war have proven otherwise— Yemen’s leadership has safeguarded this vital maritime corridor and has not used it as leverage, despite the crippling blockade that has inflicted severe economic and humanitarian consequences on the country.

From the outset, Saudi Arabia’s justifications for the aggression collapsed one after another. The war was never about restoring what it called “legitimacy”— as evident from its house arrest of Hadi once it realized he had become a burden and a lost cause. Nor was it about protecting Arab national security, as evidenced by the unchecked Israeli dominance over the region while Arab rulers remained silent.

A War Driven by Foreign Interests

It is now clear that this war was orchestrated to serve American and Israeli agendas, carried out recklessly by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with participation from other Gulf states— except Oman. The primary goal was to crush the September 21 Revolution and restore Saudi and American hegemony over Yemen. Yet, each coalition member pursued its own interests through the war.

For instance, the United States sought to protect its regional interests, secure Red Sea shipping lanes, and ensure the safety of Israeli maritime trade. Under the guise of UAE involvement, Washington established military bases on the island of Socotra to gain a strategic foothold for a potential confrontation with China in the future.

As for Saudi Arabia, its ambitions in Al-Mahrah Governorate were never a secret. It aimed to construct an oil pipeline through the region to the Arabian Sea and build a port to bypass the Hormuz Strait. Meanwhile, the UAE’s participation was driven by its desire to cripple Aden’s port, fearing its revival would threaten the dominance of Emirati ports. Additionally, the UAE’s military presence along Yemen’s coasts and islands primarily serves Israeli and American interests.

It can be said that the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Zionist enemy were the biggest beneficiaries of this war and of any defeat of Ansar Allah. Other coalition members participated for separate motives:

• Sudan sought to mend ties with Saudi Arabia in exchange for financial aid.

• Egypt had its own interests at stake.

• Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar joined merely to appease Saudi Arabia.

Only Oman stood apart with an honorable stance, distancing itself from the coalition. While it continued to recognize Mansur Hadi, it maintained balanced relations with all parties.

A Shocking Failure

The aggressor states were confident of a swift victory— believing the war would last only a few weeks or months. Yet, the course of events defied all expectations.

The Yemeni people displayed unparalleled resilience. Even when the daily airstrikes reached up to 200 bombings per day, they did not waver but instead intensified their determination to fight. The army and popular committees were formed from humble beginnings, yet with high morale, unwavering faith in Allah, and absolute trust in Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badruldeen al-Houthi, they stood united like a beehive, demonstrating remarkable endurance and defiance.

During the first five years, the coalition seemed to have the upper hand— relying on barbaric massacres against civilians and territorial gains in some provinces. However, the tide turned against them. Yemen’s development of ballistic missile capabilities and drone technology allowed it to deliver devastating blows to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, shifting the momentum in Yemen’s favor.

This forced the coalition to agree to a ceasefire on April 2, 2022, after precise missile strikes targeted Saudi and Emirati oil facilities, demonstrating Yemen’s ability to strike deep inside enemy territory.

A Decade Later: Yemen Leads the Resistance

Today, the divine victory of Yemen is evident. A decade after the launch of Operation Decisive Storm, Yemen has emerged as a leader in the Arab and Islamic world, standing at the forefront of the fight against the Zionist enemy in support of Gaza’s oppressed people.

The once-besieged Yemen now enforces a siege on the Israeli entity. Furthermore, Yemen has displayed unprecedented boldness by targeting U.S. aircraft carriers— a move no nation has dared since World War II.

Now, the true face of the war is exposed— what began as a Saudi-led aggression is now an open American war, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE unable to intervene or provide support.

Yet, Saudi Arabia continues to stall and resists a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. However, Yemen’s patience will not last forever. The Saudi regime risks losing a historic opportunity to embrace peace. Should it fail to act, it will face severe Yemeni retaliation, for the crimes committed against Yemen can never be forgotten or forgiven.