Trump operation against Houthis cost more than $1 billion

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s fight against the Houthis never dealt a crippling blow to the militant group, but it has cost America more than $1 billion since March, including the thousands of bombs and missiles used in strikes, along with seven drones shot down and two fighter jets that sank, according to two U.S. officials briefed on the cost. After weeks of operations by the United States, the Houthis seemed to still be able to strike outside Yemen, launching an attack that targeted Israel’s main international airport just this week. But the surprise deal that Trump announced Tuesday, in which the U.S. would suspend strikes and other operations against the Iran-backed Houthis in exchange for the ..