DUBAI—In ordering a pre-emptive attack on the Houthis in Yemen, President Trump hopes to succeed where all others have failed, taking on a foe that has outlasted powerful enemies for years.U.S. officials said Sunday the attacks were designed as a show of overwhelming force,

The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza.