The ‘Honey Badgers’ of Yemen: How the Houthis Are Defying US ?

Despite billions of dollars and dozens of air raids, the US has yet to shatter the Houthi resistance in Yemen. Far from backing off, the Iran-backed group has escalated its attack on Red Sea shipping and American naval forces. The Houthis have been referred to as the “honey badgers of resistance” because they are pushing back against the world’s most powerful military with brazen contempt. Experts warned that the ongoing campaign is less about strategic gains and more about demonstrating US power—with minimal long-term effect. As costs increase and risks escalate, many now wonder: is this war winnable?

The ‘Honey Badgers’ of Yemen: Why the Houthis Keep Fighting ?

For weeks, US military forces have conducted repeated attacks against Houthi missile stores, airports, and drone manufacturing facilities. Officials report that about 80 Houthi military officials have been killed. But the group’s inner leadership and ability to conduct strikes remain largely unscathed. On the ground, the Houthis continue to launch missiles towards Israel and fire drones at American warships.

Their reaction has only become more defiant. “Dozens of airstrikes won’t deter us,” a Houthi official stated recently. Rather than receding, they now threaten to widen attacks to the UAE. According to analysts, the airstrikes are solidifying their reputation at home—portraying the Houthis as protectors against foreign incursion.

Seasoned analysts compare them to honey badgers—tiny but ferocious creatures famous for surviving snake bites and battling predators much bigger than themselves. The analogy is apt. The Houthis have weathered more than a decade of bombardments and show no signs of weakening.

An Expensive Campaign With Undefined Objectives

The US Yemen campaign has already cost close to $1 billion in less than a month. But Washington’s objectives—securing Red Sea shipping and preventing future Houthi attacks—are still out of reach. Military analysts such as Michael Knights report that some drone locations have been struck, but most critical operations remain.

The attacks may be symbolic rather than strategic, critics say. The campaign is “performative,” says Yemen specialist Elisabeth Kendall. Thousands of previous bombings didn’t halt the Houthis, and history dictates that air power alone will not suffice.

As one analyst bluntly stated: “This is the war the Houthis wanted.”