The Houthi forces have already showcased their spoils of war! Muhammad Ali al-Houthi, a senior Houthi leader, personally drove through the newly captured Jalahi. Foreign media mocked the Saudis, noting he was driving an armored vehicle belonging to the Saudi-backed government forces. Meanwhile, the Saudi-backed troops retreated, and the Houthis captured numerous prisoners. Video footage shows that the captured vehicles are U.S.-made Oshkosh M-ATV mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles.
These vehicles are primarily designed for defense against landmines and roadside bombs, and can also be used for patrolling, troop transport, and serving as escort convoys, with exceptional off-road capabilities. Each unit costs the U.S. military $440,000—approximately 3.1 million RMB. Clearly, the Houthis aim to demonstrate their confidence in completely dismantling the Saudi-backed armed forces through such imagery. Indeed, this time, the Houthis have proven different from their past behavior.
Beyond the captured equipment, footage has emerged showing residents of Medina Mahā city welcoming the Yemeni Houthi forces upon their liberation of the city. In the video, Houthi troops are seen marching in strict formation, while citizens cheer their arrival. For a long time, the international perception of the Houthis has largely centered on long-range attacks disrupting Red Sea shipping and guerrilla-style retaliation. However, this recent offensive has indeed shifted and transformed the Houthis’ previously held image.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875966450466883/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.