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Brief History of the Houthi Movement#

In 1991, during the Gulf War, two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups defeated Iraq, which was claimed to be the world's third strongest country, in just 42 days, resulting in losses exceeding $200 billion and nearly 100,000 casualties, while the U.S. suffered only 286.

In 2003, during the Second Gulf War, a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group captured the country's leader, Saddam, alive and executed him.

At that time, the U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers were dominant across the seas, with no one daring to challenge them, and the world bowed down.

On May 31, 2024, missiles from Yemen's west coast targeted the USS Eisenhower, which was on a nearby mission.

On June 1, 2024, the GPS signal of the USS Eisenhower was jammed, and drones and unmanned boats launched a saturation attack on the USS Eisenhower from Yemen's west coast. The last hypersonic anti-ship missile initiated a fatal strike. The carrier was hit on its right rear side and the island, with one missile penetrating the deck and exploding in the kitchen, resulting in 76 fatalities and over 170 injuries on board. (Source: BBC)

Since World War II, no one has dared to attack U.S. aircraft carriers. Regardless of whether the reports of the carrier being hit are true or false, the world knows that U.S. aircraft carriers are not invincible; someone dares to strike. If U.S. aircraft carriers can indeed be hit, then there will be a first time, followed by a second and a third.

This was an attack that changed the course of history, and the organization claiming responsibility for the two attacks is called the "Houthi Movement."

Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi (August 20, 1959 - September 10, 2004) was born in 1956 into a religious family in the Maran area of northern Yemen, and his family name is the Houthi family. They follow the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam.

From a young age, he grew up in a strong religious atmosphere, and his family held a significant position within the Zaydi sect, with many family members engaged in religious study and promotion. His grandfather and uncle were both well-known religious figures in the area, and his father, Badreddin al-Houthi, was a prominent religious scholar.

Hussein did not receive a public school education as a child; instead, he was taught the Quran and basic literacy skills at home by his father. This education emphasized the importance of religious knowledge, laying the foundation for his future religious and political career.

After his father's death, Hussein inherited his father's role as an imam of the Zaydi sect, where an imam generally refers to Islamic scholars and clergy, similar to a pastor.

The Houthi family adheres to the Zaydi sect, which is one of the main branches of Shia Islam, primarily divided into: Twelvers (Twelver, found in Iran, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq), Zaydis (Zaidi, found in Yemen, Saudi Arabia), Ismailis (Ismaili, found in the border areas of Iran, India, and Pakistan, Lebanon), and Alawites (Alawiyyun, found in Syria, Lebanon).

The Zaydi sect is named after Zayd ibn Ali, and Twelver followers make up over 80% of Shia Muslims, while the Zaydi sect is the second-largest branch of Shia Islam. Zaydi followers are mainly distributed in northern Yemen (northern Dhamar province) and areas along the border with Saudi Arabia, with approximately 35% of Yemen's population adhering to the Zaydi sect. It can be said that the Zaydi sect occupies a significant position in Yemen.

The Zaydi sect was founded in 740 by Zayd ibn Ali, later facing oppression and being forced to relocate to remote areas such as the Caspian Sea coast and the Maghreb. Eventually, by the end of the ninth century, it took root in northern Yemen and has continued to this day. In 897, Hadi Yahya established a Zaydi imamate state centered in Sa'da in northern Yemen, laying the foundation for the sectarian division between Shia and Sunni in Yemen.

It wasn't until September 1962 that the Free Officers Organization led by Abdullah Saleh launched the "September 26" revolution to overthrow the Badr feudal dynasty, establishing the Arab Republic of Yemen (1962-1990), which ended the Zaydi sect's rule in northern Yemen that had lasted for over a thousand years. Shortly after the establishment of the Arab Republic of Yemen, it announced the abolition of discriminatory policies based on lineage and sect, stripping the Zaydi sect and the families of the holy lineage of their legitimate authority.

Note that Abdullah Saleh (January 9, 1917 - March 5, 1994) and the later former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh (March 21, 1942 - December 4, 2017) are not the same person.

The suppression of the Zaydi sect was comprehensive. Economically, the wealth accumulation of the lower social strata gradually diminished the role of the previously upper-class Zaydi and holy lineage families in economic development. Politically, the state restricted the activities of the Zaydi sect. Religiously, the influx of Sunni Salafism, under the dominance of Saudi Arabia, had a significant impact on the Zaydi sect in Yemen, severely threatening its authoritative position.

At this time, the Zaydi sect was in decline within Yemen.

When discussing the origins of the Houthi movement, it is necessary to briefly touch on the history and geography of Yemen.

Yemen has not long been a unified country but has often been divided into South Yemen and North Yemen based on geography.

The political landscape of Arab countries was formed during the process of Western colonization. Generally, it follows geographical rules, but not completely.

In the western part of the Arabian Peninsula, the Saitra Mountains extend from the west coast, thickening in the south and forming an L-shape as they extend eastward, with the lower part of this L shape being Yemen. Yemen is mainly located in the southwestern and southern parts of the Saitra Mountains.

Due to the presence of the Saitra Mountains, although it is in the tropics, there are often areas in the mountains during summer where temperatures do not exceed 30 degrees.

Unlike the Arab people in the desert who focus on nomadism and trade, the Yemen region emphasizes agriculture. With a population of 23 million, over half are young people aged 20, while neighboring Oman has only 3 million people. However, the Yemen region now lacks rivers that flow into the sea, and agricultural planting mainly relies on groundwater.

Although Yemen is a Middle Eastern country, its oil resources are relatively scarce, making it one of the poorest countries in the Middle East. With a per capita GDP of $600, Yemen still regards oil as a pillar industry.

Yemen has the largest mountainous resources on the Arabian Peninsula, mainly distributed in northern Yemen, and also has a long coastline, mainly in southern Yemen.

Yemen actually resembles a rectangle, as shown in the diagram below. A line drawn from the southwest extending northeast to the middle of the northern border marks the boundary between North and South Yemen. North Yemen covers an area of 195,000 square kilometers, while South Yemen covers 337,000 square kilometers.

North Yemen relies on its mountainous terrain, primarily focusing on agriculture, while South Yemen lacks such advantages but has a long coastline and a quality port in Aden. This port has been a hub for trade between the East and the Mediterranean and the eastern coast of Africa for thousands of years, thus remaining prosperous.

This led to a gradual tightening of geographical ties between North and South Yemen, with North Yemen providing food that South Yemen lacked, while South Yemen provided goods from trade and important channels for external communication.

If it weren't for its geographical position facilitating communication between east and west, leading to its subjugation by great powers, North and South Yemen might have had the opportunity for long-term unification instead of falling into the aspirations of great powers and remaining in a state of division.

Yemen established dynasties as early as the 14th century BC, was incorporated into the Persian Empire in the 6th century, and into the Arab Empire in the 7th century, establishing an independent dynasty in the 9th century.

However, with the arrival of the Age of Exploration, it was invaded successively by Portugal, the Ottoman Empire, and Britain.

In the early 16th century, Portugal used Yemen as a springboard to invade the Arab world. Later, the Ottoman Empire competed with it, occupying the coastal city of Aden in 1538 and subsequently taking control of northern Sa'da, capturing the core areas of both North and South Yemen.

Yemen has an independent geographical foundation, and by the early 17th century, the Yemeni people had expelled the Ottoman army from most areas except the north.

Due to South Yemen's advantageous geographical position in the Middle East, coupled with France's occupation of Egypt in 1789 to curb French expansion in eastern Arabia, Britain occupied Aden in 1839.

After occupying the port, British colonizers often used it as a starting point to expand their influence to the periphery, establishing a self-protective sphere of influence. In the case of Aden Bay, expansion to the north faced the mountains and a large population, while expansion to the east encountered more deserts and fewer people, thus facing relatively less resistance. Therefore, centered in Aden, from 1863 to 1882, Britain gradually annexed over 30 chiefdoms, occupying southern Yemen and confronting the Ottoman forces in the north, marking the beginning of the division between North and South.

In 1918, after World War I ended and the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the Ottoman-ruled North Yemen also declared independence, establishing the Kingdom of Yemen, which legally held the legitimate status of both North and South Yemen.

In 1934, during a war with Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Yemen was defeated and in a precarious position. Britain forced the Kingdom of Yemen to recognize its occupation of South Yemen, thus officially declaring the formal division of North and South Yemen.

Following this, in September 1962, the Free Officers Organization led by Abdullah Saleh launched the "September 26" revolution to overthrow the Badr feudal dynasty, establishing the Arab Republic of Yemen and ending the rule of the two-door republic. However, North Yemen remained in turmoil until 1978 when Saleh became president, and the political situation gradually stabilized.

Influenced by the independence movement in North Yemen, South Yemen also initiated an anti-colonial movement in 1963, establishing the People's Republic of South Yemen, which was renamed the Democratic Republic of Yemen three years later. It pursued pro-Soviet socialism, becoming the only socialist country in the Arab world.

The reunification of North and South Yemen would have to wait until the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when in 1990, South Yemen merged with North Yemen, with the president being Saleh from North Yemen.

The term "Houthi" originates from a large tribe in Sa'da province in northwestern Yemen, which follows the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam (Az-zaydiyya, also known as the Five Imams sect). This sect is named after Hussein's grandson Zayd ibn Ali, and its doctrines differ significantly from the Twelver sect, which predominates in Iraq and Iran, but are closest to Sunni Islam.

Map of Ethnic and Sectarian Distribution in Yemen

The history of the Zaydi sect began in 740 when Zayd ibn Ali led a rebellion in Kufa, Iraq, against the oppressive rule of the Umayyad dynasty. Over the next century, the descendants of Zayd ibn Ali and their followers continued to launch uprisings against tyranny but were met with brutal repression from the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, forcing the Zaydi sect to relocate to remote areas such as the Caspian Sea coast and the Maghreb.

In the 9th century, Zaydi followers established their base in the mountainous regions of northern Yemen, ruled by their imams, and over the following thousand years, they expanded southward to control Yemen. In 1918, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Zaydi sect took the opportunity to establish the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen in North Yemen, ruled by the Badr dynasty.

In September 1962, with Egyptian support, the "Free Officers" organization led by Abdullah al-Sallal launched a coup to overthrow the Badr dynasty and establish the Arab Republic of Yemen, leading to a civil war in North Yemen. The Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen established an exile government with Saudi support, continuing to resist the republican forces.

It wasn't until 1970 that both sides reached a comprehensive reconciliation, with members of the Yemeni royal family and their loyalists receiving amnesty, and the Mutawakkilite Kingdom officially ceased to exist. Despite being marginalized by the new Yemeni regime's secular governance that transcended sectarian lines, the Zaydi sect's ambitions remained, as they eagerly hoped to return to the center of power in Yemen.

The rise of the Houthi movement coincided with the revival of the Zaydi sect.

In the 1990s, facing unprecedented crises, the Zaydi sect began to contemplate its future, and some Zaydi individuals initiated what was called the "Revival Movement."

First Sa'dah War: June 2004 - September 2004

After "9/11," Yemeni President Saleh allied with the U.S. to combat terrorism. Hussein al-Houthi viewed Saleh's alliance as a sign of weakness and submission to the U.S., challenging the legitimacy of Saleh's regime. On June 18, 2004, Yemeni police arrested 640 demonstrators in front of the Great Mosque in Sana'a and offered a reward of 10 million Yemeni rials (about $55,000) for Hussein's capture.

On September 10, Hussein was killed, and the Yemeni government unilaterally declared victory, claiming that approximately 500 to 1,000 civilians had died in the conflict. In memory of Hussein, the "Believing Youth" organization was renamed the "Houthi Movement," and Hussein's father, Badreddin al-Houthi, continued to lead the movement.

Great Mosque of Sana'a

Second Sa'dah War: March 2005 - May 2005

The Yemeni government posted photos of Hussein's corpse on the streets of Sa'dah, provoking dissatisfaction among Houthi members, leading to continuous small-scale conflicts. In March 2005, the conflict escalated, involving areas such as Majz, Sahar, Baqim, and Dahya, with the Houthis primarily employing kidnapping and assassination tactics against the Yemeni government. Saleh accused the al-Haqq Party and the Union of Popular Forces of supporting the Houthi rebellion and attacking the government through terrorism.

In May of the same year, Saleh announced an amnesty for Houthi prisoners on the anniversary of the 1962 Republican Revolution, while the Yemeni government again declared unilateral victory, but sporadic conflicts continued.

Third Sa'dah War: November 2005 - Early 2006

In 2005, the leadership of the Houthi movement was taken over by Abdul Malik al-Houthi and Yahya al-Houthi. In early 2006, the Houthis were accused of attempting to assassinate the Minister of Justice in Dhamar, leading to further escalation of the conflict.

However, under pressure from the upcoming presidential and local elections in September 2006, Saleh announced the amnesty of 600 prisoners, including Badreddin al-Houthi, and appointed new government officials in Sa'dah to end the conflict.

Fourth Sa'dah War: January 2007 - June 2007

In 2007, the Houthi movement threatened to attack the Jewish community in the Sa'dah region, and the conflict quickly escalated. The government accused Iran and Libya of supporting the Houthi movement and recalled its ambassadors from Tehran and Tripoli, but Houthi leaders denied any foreign intervention. In February, the Yemeni government sought to extradite Yahya from Lebanon, but he turned to Germany for political asylum. Reports indicated that the Yemeni government also revoked Yahya's parliamentary immunity and sought tribal alliances to jointly combat the Houthi movement, further complicating the conflict.

In May, then-Emir of Qatar Hamad visited Yemen for mediation, and a representative from the Qatari Foreign Ministry met with Houthi leaders. Qatar proposed the Doha Agreement as a negotiation plan, which included a Yemeni government amnesty, discussions on reconstruction plans for Sa'dah, the Houthis giving up heavy weapons, and establishing a tripartite committee. However, due to Saudi dissatisfaction with the Qatari mediation, the lack of specific measures in the Sa'dah reconstruction plan, and the Yemeni government's belief that the peace agreement overly elevated the Houthi movement's status, the Qatari mediation ultimately failed.

Fifth Sa'dah War: March 2008 - July 2008

Since June 2007, there had been ongoing small-scale conflicts between the Yemeni government and the Houthi movement, which escalated into the fifth Sa'dah War in March 2008, with the scale of the war expanding and the conflict deepening, spreading to the northern suburbs of Sana'a, Bani Hushaysh. On July 17, 2008, Saleh unilaterally announced a ceasefire on the anniversary of his 30 years in power.

Sixth Sa'dah War: August 2009 - February 2010

In August 2009, the Yemeni military launched a "Scorched Earth" operation aimed at suppressing the Sa'dah Houthi rebellion, while the Houthis began fighting Saudi forces near the border. In November 2009, with the intervention of the Saudi Air Force, Saleh announced the end of the conflict, and the Yemeni government agreed to a ceasefire with the Houthis starting in February 2010, but no written ceasefire document was formed.

With the merger of North and South Yemen into the Republic of Yemen on May 22, 1990, the Zaydi religious elite established the Party of God in 1990 to participate in national politics.

In 1992, Hussein al-Houthi initiated a movement called the "Believing Youth Movement" and established an organization—the Believing Youth Organization, which is the predecessor of today's Houthi movement.

In the 1990s, the Sunni factions in Yemen rapidly developed with Saudi support, causing great concern for President Saleh, who thus shifted from suppression to support for the Zaydi sect.

With Saleh's support, Hussein al-Houthi was elected as a member of parliament alongside the secretary of the Truth Party, Razami. However, due to the party's detachment from the new generation's ideas, the Truth Party only secured two seats in the 1993 parliamentary elections.

During the Yemeni civil unrest in 1994, Hussein al-Houthi contributed significantly to Saleh's efforts.

Four years later, the Truth Party failed to secure even a single seat, marking the end of its political participation.

Hussein al-Houthi then announced his withdrawal from the Truth Party and focused on the activities of the Believing Youth Organization.

In the revival movement of the Zaydi sect, the "Believing Youth" organization was very active.

The "Believing Youth" held workshops in the form of summer camps, combining religious education with cultural activities and travel, enhancing the identity of Zaydi youth through these activities. The "Believing Youth" advocated for the inclusion of ideas from different tribes and social classes, prompting tribal leaders to send young members of their tribes to summer camps for learning.

After ten years of effort, Hussein al-Houthi achieved good interaction with Zaydi elites and youth, and the identity recognition of Zaydi youth in northern Yemen gradually increased, with the Houthi family gaining significant prestige among the Zaydi sect. This laid the foundation for the future rise of the Houthi movement.

Badreddin al-Houthi is the contemporary leader of the Houthi family, born in 1922; he is the father of Hussein al-Houthi. Badreddin al-Houthi formed marital alliances with local tribes and families of holy lineage, giving birth to many children, uniting northern Yemen through blood ties.

The former leader of the Houthi movement, Hussein al-Houthi, and the current leader, Abdul Houthi, are both sons of Badreddin al-Houthi.

As the influence of the Believing Youth expanded, it raised concerns for President Saleh, who began to play a balancing act.

Saleh lifted the suppression of Sunni Salafism and used various means to incite conflicts between Zaydi and Salafi factions. However, this did not effectively suppress the development of the Zaydi sect.

The Houthi family in northern Yemen formed marital alliances with tribes, possessing strong mobilization capabilities through blood ties.

When Saleh was re-elected president in 1999, Hussein al-Houthi insisted on establishing a theocratic state similar to Iran, leading to an inevitable confrontation between Saleh and Hussein al-Houthi, who were in different interest camps.

Although they maintained a facade of harmony, there were undercurrents.

Hussein al-Houthi spent over a year studying the Quran with a female teacher, after which he began to lecture, produce audio materials, and distribute pamphlets to strengthen the religious understanding of the Zaydi sect.

Hussein al-Houthi did not advocate for violent means in his pursuit of a theocratic state, promoting peaceful methods, and he never publicly condemned President Saleh.

However, when he openly opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, it marked a complete break with the government. Due to the differing ideologies between him and the government, the strong dissatisfaction of the Zaydi populace towards the government transformed into resistance against President Saleh.

In January 2003, the government arrested over 600 Zaydi resistance members, and communication with Hussein al-Houthi proved ineffective. On June 18, 2004, over 640 were arrested, and a warrant was issued for Hussein al-Houthi's arrest. Both sides were on the path to armed conflict.

Three soldiers were killed in Sa'dah while attempting to arrest Hussein al-Houthi, and government forces bombed the Houthi family's stronghold. The six-year Sa'dah War began.

With blood ties as the foundation and religious identity at its core, under the banner of anti-American and anti-Zionism, Zaydi Muslims engaged in the six-year Sa'dah War under the pretext of self-defense. Due to Hussein al-Houthi's strong personal charisma, family prestige, and social influence, the armed group centered around the youth resistance became known as the "Houthi Movement."

Undoubtedly, the Sa'dah War accelerated the rise of the Houthi movement and led the Yemeni people and various factions to become disillusioned with the government, exacerbating domestic division and turmoil.

In September 2004, Hussein al-Houthi was injured and surrendered, only to be executed. The government believed this would sufficiently intimidate the Houthi movement and encourage defections.

However, this organization, bound by blood and religion, no longer relied solely on individual leadership; more and more people stood in opposition to the government. Hussein's father, Badreddin al-Houthi, took over leadership, passing it on to his son Abdul Houthi two years later.

Years of war and conflict did not deal a fatal blow to the Houthi movement; many tribes that were mistakenly harmed also joined the Houthi movement, leading to a decline in the government's prestige.

On June 17, 2008, the Saleh government unilaterally announced a ceasefire. The contradictions between the military and the government expanded.

In the clashes between government forces and the Houthi movement, extremist religious organizations found significant space to thrive, with Al-Qaeda rapidly developing among the populace.

The Southern Movement developed vigorously, advocating for southern independence. The Southern Movement organization, established in 2007, gathered many seeking the division of North and South.

The Saleh government found itself besieged on all sides.

In August 2009, facing public pressure, Saleh launched a military operation codenamed "Scorched Earth," with Saudi forces participating for the first time. However, this military operation quickly ended due to the threat posed by Al-Qaeda.

In February 2012, Saleh announced the end of operations in Sa'dah, and the Houthis declared acceptance of a ceasefire, marking the end of the six-year Sa'dah War. The Houthi movement grew stronger, while government forces repeatedly faced defeat and division.

It seemed that Yemen had fallen into a state of calm, but a greater storm was brewing.

Opportunity for Growth: "Arab Spring"

In 2011, the "Arab Spring" spread to Yemen, with increasing public protests. The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and other countries gradually changed their support for Saleh. In November, Saleh signed a power transfer agreement facilitated by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ending his 33-year rule, with Vice President Hadi succeeding him as president.

Former Yemeni President Saleh

While the Yemeni government was busy dealing with public protests and the transition of power, the Houthi movement was expanding its governing base. In 2011, the Houthi movement officially adopted the name "Ansar Allah" (Supporters of God), positioning itself as a long-persecuted and marginalized minority group under Saleh's regime. That same year, with the support of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi movement launched the "Al-Masirah" television channel, headquartered in Beirut. By the end of 2012, the Houthi movement had almost controlled the entire Sa'dah region and surrounding areas such as Amran, al-Jawf, and Hajja, occupying an important position in Yemen's political landscape.

Expansion of the Houthi Movement

In 2013, the Hadi government initiated a National Dialogue Conference (NDC) aimed at negotiating the establishment of a new political system and drafting a new constitution for Yemen. The Hadi government proposed reforms to Yemen's federal structure, reducing the 26 provinces to 6 regions. However, the Houthi movement and the Southern Transitional Council feared continued marginalization and vetoed the proposal, ultimately failing to reach a consensus on power distribution. In 2014, the Hadi government sought to implement economic reforms and eliminate fuel subsidies, a policy opposed by the Houthi movement, which organized large-scale protests and launched major offensives against government forces and their tribal allies.

After Hadi took office, he aimed to eliminate Saleh's influence within the Yemeni government and military. For example, in 2012, he reassigned Saleh's son, Ahmed Saleh, from commander of the Yemeni Republican Guard to ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Under these circumstances, Saleh continued to engage with the Houthi movement and formed an alliance. In September 2014, pro-Saleh forces, alongside the Houthi movement, captured Sana'a, and by the end of the year, the Houthi movement controlled most of the city and continued to advance southward. Under pressure, the Hadi government resigned in January 2015 and fled to Riyadh, where he formed a government in exile.

Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi

On February 6 of the same year, the Houthi movement issued a constitutional declaration, dissolved parliament, and established the Supreme Revolutionary Committee (SRC), appointing Mohammed Ali al-Houthi as its chairman. However, the new government did not receive widespread recognition from the international community, with only 16 embassies following the Hadi government to Riyadh and Jeddah. By the end of February, only five embassies from Iran, Russia, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine remained in Sana'a. Hadi also received support from Saudi Arabia and, in March 2015, a coalition of 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Sudan, and Senegal, launched military operations against the Houthi movement to help Hadi restore his rule.

The Arab Spring that originated in Tunisia in 2011 spread to Yemen, significantly increasing the resistance movement against the government. The Saleh government hurriedly suppressed the resistance movement domestically, while the Houthi movement became the voice of dissatisfaction with the current situation in Yemen. The influence of the Houthi movement significantly increased beyond the mountainous regions.

Taking advantage of the Yemeni government's focus on suppressing domestic movements, the Houthi movement quickly occupied the entire Sa'dah province and appointed a governor to collect taxes.

From July to November 2011, the Houthi movement captured al-Jawf and Hajjah provinces, opening up a maritime outlet and surrounding the capital Sana'a from three sides.

Due to domestic dissatisfaction with Saleh, after negotiations, on November 23, 2011, he agreed to hand over power and established a military committee led by Vice President Hadi to manage the country, while Saleh became the honorary president. On February 27, 2012, he officially stepped down, and Hadi became president.

Although both Saleh and Hadi belonged to the General People's Congress, they were in mutual conflict.

The ousted Saleh was marginalized by the newly elected President Hadi, and his party, the General People's Congress, was sidelined by the Islamic Reform Group (Reform Party), chaired by Abdullah bin Hussein al-Ahmar, the chief of Yemen's largest tribe, Hashid.

There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. At this time, Saleh surprisingly chose the Houthi movement as an ally, and soon the Saleh-Houthi alliance gained an advantage over the Reform Party.

In February 2014, the Houthi movement even captured the core of the Hashid tribe, the stronghold of Reform Party chairman and chief Hussein al-Ahmar.

In July 2014, in response to the corruption of the Hadi government, the Houthi movement advanced towards the capital Sana'a, defeating the armed forces of the Reform Party and taking control of the capital. However, government forces stood by and did nothing. Subsequently, the Houthi movement and the Hadi government formed a coalition government to jointly govern.

On January 19, 2015, President Hadi resigned amid conflicts with the Houthis, who announced the dissolution of parliament and established the Revolutionary Committee, effectively controlling the Yemeni regime.

Hadi then fled to Aden under the protection of presidential guards, condemning the Houthi movement's actions to overthrow the government.

The Houthi movement then advanced southward, clashing with the armed forces of the Reform Party, Hadi's government troops, and their supporters, resulting in a complete rout. They also captured Taiz and Aden, taking control of major cities in Yemen.

Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia, while Hussein al-Ahmar, chairman of the Reform Party, fled to Turkey.

In June 2015, during peace negotiations in Geneva, representatives of the Yemeni government and the Houthis refused to meet, and both sides repeatedly violated peace agreements. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi praised the role of Russia and Oman in mediation while criticizing the United Nations for supporting Saudi "aggression" against Yemen and expressing deep distrust of U.S. Ambassador Matthew H. Tuelle, accusing him of attempting to pressure the Houthi movement through economic sanctions.

From 2016 to 2017, the Yemeni civil war continued, while both the Houthi movement and Saleh showed a willingness to improve relations with other countries and increase their negotiating leverage in the peace process. In March 2016, Houthi spokesman Mohamed Abdul Salam led a delegation to Saudi Arabia to discuss an agreement to prevent border conflicts, and a prisoner exchange took place; in June of the same year, during talks in Kuwait, Salam actively described the relationship between the Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia; the peace plan proposed by UN envoy Kerry was also well received by the Houthi movement and the Saleh alliance, with Houthi diplomatic relations chief Mohamed Buhart calling for the establishment of a coalition government among all parties in Yemen; after Trump's election, Saleh also hoped he would adopt a policy of distancing from Saudi Arabia and congratulated him.

However, the thaw did not last long, as the measures for easing tensions were again replaced by tensions and conflicts. In July 2016, the Kuwait negotiations made no substantial progress, and the Houthi movement reiterated its opposition to Saudi Arabia; that year, the Houthi delegation was subjected to Saudi interference, and after ending a visit to Iraq, they were forced to remain in Oman. Meanwhile, internal contradictions between the Houthi movement and the Saleh alliance intensified. In August 2016, the Supreme Revolutionary Committee (SRC) announced the transfer of power to the Supreme Political Council led by Saleh, while the Houthi movement effectively controlled military and security power, leading to disagreements between the two sides over power distribution and relations with Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

In July 2017, just before Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, the Houthi movement launched a ballistic missile, further intensifying Saudi hostility towards them, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tightened sanctions against Yemen; on December 2 of that year, Saleh announced a desire to "turn the page" and reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia, but two days later, he was killed by the Houthi movement.

In 2018, the United Nations shifted its focus in Yemen from achieving peace to crisis management. Some commentators noted that although the Stockholm Agreement included provisions for ceasefires in places like Hodeidah and prisoner exchanges, marking the resumption of Yemen's peace process negotiations, it largely served as a means to manage the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. By the end of 2019, the Riyadh Agreement was reached, shifting the focus of the peace process to promoting reconciliation among various factions in Yemen and forming a new government, but ultimately with little effect.

Yemen Situation in 2021

On August 6 of this year, Hans Grundberg was appointed as the new UN Special Envoy for Yemen, succeeding Martin Griffiths to promote the peace process in Yemen.

Thus, the Houthi movement has become the largest faction in Yemen.

The Houthi movement has always received support from Iran, not only because of sectarian ties but also because the Houthi movement is an important support for Iran's influence in the Middle East.

At this point, the Houthi movement has transitioned from a military organization to attempting to establish a regime and participate in the governance process.

This has raised concerns among Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia, who fear that Iran will establish military control over Yemen and that this could upset the regional religious balance and expand the influence of Shia Islam.

Thus, Saudi Arabia supported President Hadi in re-establishing his regime.

On March 27, 2015, Saudi Arabia, along with Egypt, Jordan, and 9 other countries, launched "Operation Decisive Storm," sending 150,000 troops into Yemen, equipped with F-32s and M1A2 main battle tanks.

Initially, the operation was quite effective, and by May 2015, they had recaptured cities like Aden and reinstated Hadi as president.

Just when everyone thought the Saudi-led coalition would crush the Houthi movement, the coalition faced repeated setbacks.

At the beginning of the conflict in 2015, a Houthi missile struck the coalition's headquarters, killing 147 people, including the highest commander in the war zone.

In September 2019, a Houthi airstrike on Saudi oil fields caused a temporary 50% reduction in Saudi oil production.

By the end of 2019, three armored brigades, over 200 tanks and armored vehicles, and around 3,000 soldiers from the Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive into northern Yemen but were completely annihilated, with over 500 casualties and more than 2,000 captured, along with significant weaponry.

Over the years, the Houthi movement has grown stronger. Without guns and cannons, the Saudi coalition has come to create them.

Not only has the Saudi coalition faltered, but divisions have also emerged within the Yemeni government forces.

On April 27, 2017, Hadi's headquarters dismissed the governor of the Aden administrative region, Zubaidi. Two weeks later, Zubaidi announced the establishment of the Southern Transitional Council, occupying Aden and parts of southern provinces, with support from the UAE. The Yemeni government forces now had to face both the Houthi movement and Zubaidi, making their situation even more challenging.

In December of the same year, Saleh fell out with the Houthi movement and attempted to flee to Saudi Arabia, only to be killed by the Houthis.

Although the Hadi government and the Southern Transitional Council formed a coalition government under Saudi coordination from 2018 to 2020, they again moved towards a breakup in 2020.

Thus, the balance of power among the Houthi movement, government forces, the Southern Transitional Council, and Al-Qaeda in Yemen has not seen significant changes to this day.

In the years of prolonged war, the coalition has seen no hope of achieving absolute superiority, and there is even the risk of being bombed domestically.

In October 2019, the UAE withdrew all of its 4,500 troops.

Sudan also withdrew 25,000 troops.

On March 29, 2022, the Saudi coalition announced a halt to military operations throughout Yemen.

On April 7, 2022, the Yemeni government referred to the Houthi movement as "Ansar Allah" in a ceasefire agreement, which is the official name the Houthis use for themselves, indicating their acknowledgment of the Houthis. They stopped fighting and maintained the status quo.

Subsequently, Saudi Arabia even engaged in friendly interactions with the Houthi movement. On September 184, 2023, a Houthi delegation even visited Saudi Arabia. In 2024, they announced the opening of airspace for Houthi attacks on Israel.

Undeniably, the Houthi movement has become the de facto ruling party in northern Yemen.

In 2020, the Houthi movement released a performance report, stating that over the past five years, it had conducted a total of 5,278 offensive operations, 5,426 defensive operations, 669 drone attacks, 3,490 drone reconnaissance missions, 85 drone-guided strikes, 40,292 sniper operations, 7,472 bomb ambushes, 5,683 anti-tank missile attacks, and launched 1,067 ballistic missiles.

They killed over 4,200 Saudi troops and injured over 6,000; killed 120 Emirati troops and injured over 1,100; killed 4,253 Sudanese troops and injured 3,700; and killed or injured over 80,000 hostile armed individuals in Yemen (including mercenaries and Southern forces).

Although there may be some exaggeration, the ability to inflict such significant damage on the Saudi coalition is impressive.

Since 2019, the Houthi movement has captured a large number of tanks, armored vehicles, and light weapons through multiple battles, greatly enhancing its ground combat capabilities.

The Houthi movement possesses missile systems, including the "Typhoon" missile, which is a modified version of Iran's "Qader" missile, with a range of 1,600 to 1,900 kilometers. Although these missiles lack high precision, they demonstrate the Houthi movement's capability for long-range strikes.

The Houthi movement is also equipped with a modified version of Iran's cruise missile, "Holy City," with a range of about 1,650 kilometers, capable of striking targets as far as Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Reports from the United Nations Security Council estimate that the Houthi movement has 75,000 armed personnel, and if including civilian loyalists, the scale may range from 100,000 to 120,000.

Some intelligence from European countries indicates that the Houthi movement has about 200,000 armed personnel, well-trained and adept at fighting in specific terrains.

There are also assessments suggesting that the Houthi movement has an army of 800,000, with hundreds of thousands ready to take up arms at any time.

Today, the Houthi movement, with its anti-American and anti-Zionist image, is active on the national political stage. They frequently provoke the U.S. and Israel, and although they are a resistance faction supported by Iran, on May 31 and June 1, 2024, they claimed to have attacked U.S. aircraft carriers, marking a significant step in undermining the U.S. military's invincibility.

People may exclaim that even gods can bleed; if there is a first drop, there will be a second, until blood runs dry.

This article summarizes the Houthi movement's attacks on the U.S. military and the U.S. response, covering the period from October 19, 2023, to May 30, 2024, compiled from online sources. Images and videos are for illustrative purposes only. The content is for reference only.

On November 19, 2023, the Houthi movement hijacked the crew of a commercial transport ship, escalating tensions between the Houthis and the U.S. The Houthis launched attacks on commercial vessels and naval warships in the Red Sea using drones, missiles, and small boats, claiming their targets were ships heading to Israel or linked to Israel, in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. On December 18, the U.S. responded by initiating "Operation Prosperity Shield," a coalition of over 20 countries aimed at protecting international shipping. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III stated that the coalition's mission was "to collectively address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, ensuring freedom of navigation for all nations and enhancing regional security and prosperity."

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi (left)
On January 11, 2024, the U.S. mobilized "Operation Sea God," an independent coalition willing to conduct offensive actions to weaken the Houthi military capabilities. The coalition includes the UK, Australia, Bahrain, and the Netherlands. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated on January 25: "This is a multilateral strike and dynamic action against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen." The coalition launched over 10 airstrikes against Houthi missiles, radar, and storage facilities in January.

On January 11, President Biden stated that "Operation Sea God" demonstrates that the U.S. "will not tolerate attacks against our personnel and will not allow hostile actors to jeopardize freedom of navigation." Biden indicated, "If necessary, I will not hesitate to take further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international trade." He also repeatedly warned Iran-backed regional actors, including the Houthi movement, not to escalate the Middle East war between Israel and Hamas. However, attacks continued, with Houthi leaders claiming that U.S. pressure would not change their actions in the Red Sea, through which about 30% of global commercial shipping passes.

October 2023

• October 19: The Houthi movement launched three land-attack cruise missiles and several drones from Yemen, reportedly targeting Israel. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney intercepted these missiles and drones.

• October 31: The Houthi movement fired an unspecified number of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, vowing to "continue qualitative strikes using missiles and drones until Israel stops its aggression." Israel intercepted all aerial threats, including a ground-to-ground missile.

November 2023

• November 8: The Houthi movement shot down a U.S. drone, claiming the MQ-9 "Reaper" drone was in Yemeni airspace at the time.

• November 14: The Houthi movement launched a ground-to-ground missile at Eilat, Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted the missile before it entered Israeli airspace.

• November 15: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Thomas Hudner intercepted a drone launched from Yemen over the Red Sea.

• November 19: The Houthi movement hijacked a British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship, the "Galaxy Leader," in the Red Sea, taking 25 crew members hostage. They claimed the ship was linked to Israel and was a "legitimate target." The British company owning the ship has ties to Israeli businessman Abraham Onger, although the ship was leased to the Japanese company NYK. The Houthi movement vowed to continue attacking vessels linked to Israel until Israel's actions in Gaza cease.

January 2024

• January 1: The Iranian warship "Alborz" entered the Red Sea, with its mission unclear.

• January 2: The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the southern Red Sea. No commercial vessels reported damage.

• January 3: The U.S. and 13 partners issued a joint statement warning the Houthi movement to cease maritime aggression or face military response. Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and the UK joined the statement.

• January 4: The Houthi movement launched a drone that came within a few miles of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels before exploding in the Red Sea. This incident marked the first use of unmanned surface vessels by the Houthi movement.

• January 6: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Laboon intercepted a drone launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen.

• January 9: The Houthi movement launched a large-scale attack involving 18 drones, 2 anti-ship cruise missiles, and 1 anti-ship ballistic missile, all of which were shot down by U.S. and British forces.

• January 11: U.S. Navy SEALs boarded and seized a sailboat transporting weapons from Iran to the Houthi movement. This operation occurred off the coast of Somalia and marked the first seizure of Iranian weapons since the Houthi movement began its attacks in the Red Sea in November 2023.

• January 11-12: The U.S. and UK, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia, launched over 150 precision-guided munitions strikes against 60 targets, including Houthi radar, missile, and drone launch sites, as well as weapons storage facilities. This joint operation was dubbed "Operation Sea God."

• January 27: The U.S. struck a Houthi anti-ship missile targeting the Red Sea. A British warship, HMS Diamond, repelled the Houthi attack and shot down a drone over the Red Sea.

• January 29: The Pentagon denied the Houthi movement's claims that its militants attacked the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Lewis B. Puller.

• January 30: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship cruise missile at the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gravely intercepted the missile, causing no damage.

• January 31: The U.S. struck a Houthi surface-to-air missile that was deemed an "imminent threat" to U.S. aircraft operating in the region.

February 2024

• February 1: U.S. forces shot down a drone in the Gulf of Aden. Subsequently, U.S. forces intercepted a drone heading towards international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The Houthi movement launched a ballistic missile at the Koi, a container ship flying the Liberian flag and owned by Bermuda.

• February 2: The Houthi movement launched a ballistic missile at southern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces intercepted the missile over the Red Sea. On the same day, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney shot down a drone over the Gulf of Aden, and U.S. forces in Yemen shot down four Houthi drones, while the USS Laboon shot down seven drones over the Red Sea. No casualties or property damage were reported.

• February 3: U.S. forces destroyed six cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

The U.S. and UK, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, attacked 36 Houthi targets at 13 locations in Yemen. The targets included storage facilities, missile launchers, air defense systems, and radar. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated, "This joint operation sends a clear message to the Houthi movement that if they do not cease their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels, they will continue to face further consequences."

• February 4: U.S. forces conducted three airstrikes against Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying five anti-ship cruise missiles and one land-attack cruise missile.

• February 5: U.S. forces attacked two Houthi unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in Yemen.

• February 6: The Houthi movement launched six anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea. Three missiles targeted the M/V Star Nasia, a bulk carrier owned and operated by a Greek company flying the Marshall Islands flag. The U.S. Navy Laboon intercepted one of the missiles. The other three missiles targeted the M/V Morning Tide, a bulk carrier owned by a British company flying the Barbados flag.

• February 8: U.S. forces attacked four Houthi unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen.

• February 9: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi unmanned surface vessels (USVs), four Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles, and one Houthi land-attack cruise missile in Yemen.

• February 10: U.S. forces attacked two Houthi unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and three Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles north of Hodeidah in Yemen.

• February 12: The Houthi movement launched two missiles at the M/V Star Iris, a bulk carrier owned by a Greek company flying the Marshall Islands flag. The M/V Star Iris sustained minor damage but continued its voyage to Iran.

• February 13: U.S. forces destroyed a ready-to-launch Houthi anti-ship cruise missile in Houthi-controlled Yemen. Later that day, the Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Gulf of Aden. U.S. forces did not intercept the missile, as it was expected not to hit any vessels.

• February 14: U.S. forces destroyed seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles, three drones, and one explosive unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Houthi-controlled Yemen. These weapons were intended for attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

• February 15: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the M/V Lycavitos, a bulk carrier owned by a British company flying the Barbados flag. The M/V Lycavitos sustained minor damage but continued its voyage. On the same day, U.S. forces conducted two strikes against three Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. These missiles were prepared for launch against vessels in the Red Sea.

• February 16: The Houthi movement launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea. Three missiles targeted the M/T Pollux, a commercial vessel owned by a Danish company flying the Panama flag. The missiles did not hit the M/T Pollux or any other vessels.

U.S. forces struck a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile and an unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled Yemen. U.S. Central Command stated that these missiles and unmanned surface vessels posed a direct threat to naval vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

• February 17: U.S. forces conducted five strikes in Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying three anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV). This marked the first discovery of a Houthi unmanned underwater vehicle by U.S. forces.

• February 18: The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Rubymar, a bulk carrier owned by a British company flying the Belize flag. One missile hit and damaged the M/V Rubymar, causing an 18-mile oil slick. U.S. forces responded to the distress signal from the M/V Rubymar and transported its crew to a nearby port.

Source: U.S. Central Command Official Website

• February 19: The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Sea Champion, a vessel owned by a U.S. company flying the Greek flag. The M/V Sea Champion sustained minor damage but continued its voyage to Aden, Yemen. On the same day, U.S. forces destroyed a surface-to-air missile launcher in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Red Sea but did not hit any vessels.

Subsequently, Houthi drones attacked the M/V Navis Fortuna, a bulk carrier owned by a U.S. company flying the Marshall Islands flag. The vessel sustained minor damage but continued its voyage.

U.S. forces destroyed an attack drone preparing to launch against vessels in the Red Sea in western Yemen. U.S. and coalition forces destroyed ten attack drones in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

• February 20: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Laboon shot down a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile that was flying towards it.

• February 21: U.S. forces conducted four strikes against Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying seven anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile launcher. These weapons were prepared for launch against vessels in the Red Sea. On the same day, U.S. forces shot down an attack drone in self-defense.

• February 22: U.S. forces intercepted six attack drones from the Houthi movement over the Red Sea.

Subsequently, the Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a vessel in the Gulf of Aden. The missiles hit the M/V Islander, a vessel owned by a British company flying the Palauan flag. One person sustained minor injuries, but the vessel continued its voyage.

On the same day, U.S. forces shot down four Houthi drones and two anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen, which were preparing to launch against vessels in the Red Sea.

• February 23: U.S. forces shot down three Houthi attack drones in the Red Sea. The drones approached several commercial vessels. Subsequently, U.S. forces destroyed seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles preparing for launch in Yemen.

• February 24: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason shot down a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile targeting the M/V Tom Thor, a chemical/oil tanker owned by a U.S. company flying the U.S. flag.

On the same day, U.S. and UK forces, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, attacked 18 Houthi targets at eight locations in Yemen. The targets included weapons storage facilities, drones, air defense systems, radar, and a helicopter. Secretary of Defense Austin stated, "We will continue to make it clear to the Houthi movement that if they do not cease their illegal attacks, they will face consequences. These attacks damage the economy of the Middle East, cause environmental destruction, and disrupt humanitarian aid to Yemen and other countries."

Source: U.S. Department of Defense Official Website

• February 25: U.S. forces shot down two attack drones in the southern Red Sea.

The Houthi movement launched a second anti-ship ballistic missile at the M/V Tom Thor. The missile fell into the water.

• February 26: U.S. forces destroyed three unmanned surface vessels (USVs), two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one attack drone. These USVs and missiles were preparing to launch against vessels in the Red Sea.

• February 27: U.S. aircraft and a coalition warship shot down five Houthi attack drones in the Red Sea.

• February 29: U.S. forces intercepted an attack drone from the Houthi movement in the southern Red Sea. Additionally, U.S. forces conducted two strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. These missiles were preparing to launch towards the Red Sea.

March 2024

• March 1: U.S. forces destroyed a surface-to-air missile in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The missile was preparing to launch towards the Red Sea. Additionally, the Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Red Sea, which fell into the water.

• March 2: The M/V Rubymar sank in the Red Sea, nearly two weeks after being attacked by Houthi missiles on February 18. At the time of sinking, the vessel was carrying 21,000 tons of fertilizer.

Source: U.S. Central Command Official Website

• March 4: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Red Sea, which fell into the water.

Additionally, the Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Gulf of Aden. The missiles targeted the M/V MSC SKY II, a container ship owned by a Swiss company flying the Liberian flag. One missile hit the vessel, but it continued to sail.

That evening, U.S. forces destroyed two anti-ship cruise missiles preparing to launch from Yemen towards the Red Sea.

• March 5: U.S. forces intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile and three suicide drones targeting the USS Carney.

Additionally, U.S. forces attacked three anti-ship missiles and three unmanned surface vessels in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

• March 6: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the M/V True Confidence, a vessel owned by a Liberian company flying the Barbados flag. The missile hit the vessel, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. Nearby U.S. and coalition warships responded to the incident, marking the first lethal attack on a commercial vessel.

Additionally, U.S. forces struck two drones in Houthi-controlled Yemen. U.S. assessments indicated that these weapons posed an imminent threat to commercial vessels and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

• March 7: U.S. forces struck four mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and one drone in Houthi-controlled Yemen. Additionally, U.S. forces shot down three drones targeting the Gulf of Aden.

• March 8: U.S. forces struck two truck-mounted anti-ship missiles. The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Propel Fortune, a vessel flying the Singapore flag, owned and operated by Singapore, while it was navigating the Gulf of Aden.

• March 9: U.S., UK, and French forces shot down at least 28 Houthi suicide drones launched towards the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden within four hours. According to Central Command, these drones posed an imminent threat to commercial vessels, U.S. Navy ships, and coalition vessels. Reports indicated that this attack was the largest drone swarm launched since October 2023.

Source: Reuters

• March 11: The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Pinocchio, a commercial vessel flying the Liberian flag.

Additionally, U.S. forces conducted six strikes in Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying 18 anti-ship missiles and one unmanned underwater vehicle. U.S. Central Command stated that these weapons posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy vessels and commercial shipping.

• March 12: The Houthi movement launched a short-range ballistic missile at the USS Laboon. Additionally, U.S. forces and a coalition vessel destroyed two drone systems launched from Houthi-controlled areas. These weapons posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy vessels and commercial shipping.

• March 13: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed four drones and one surface-to-air missile in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

• March 14: The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Gulf of Aden and two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea. Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed nine anti-ship missiles and two drones in Houthi-controlled Yemen. U.S. Central Command stated that these attacks were aimed at "protecting freedom of navigation."

• March 15: The Houthi movement launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea.

• March 16: The Houthi movement launched two drones at the Red Sea. U.S. forces intercepted and destroyed one drone, while the other reportedly crashed into the water. Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed five unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and one drone in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

Source: U.S. Central Command Official Website

• March 18: U.S. forces destroyed seven anti-ship missiles, three drones, and three weapons storage containers in Houthi-controlled Yemen. U.S. Central Command stated that these weapons posed an "imminent threat" to commercial vessels and U.S. Navy ships.

Additionally, reports indicated that the Houthi movement launched a cruise missile that landed near the southern Israeli city of Eilat. The organization had previously launched missiles at Israel, but the Israeli defense forces intercepted all of them.

• March 20: Coalition aircraft destroyed a drone, and U.S. forces destroyed an unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by the Houthi movement.

• March 21: U.S.-led coalition aircraft destroyed a USV launched from Houthi-controlled areas. The coalition also destroyed two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi movement at the Red Sea.

• March 22: U.S. forces destroyed four drones in Houthi-controlled areas. The Houthi movement launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea. Additionally, U.S. forces attacked three underground storage facilities used by the Houthi movement to threaten vessels.

• March 23: The Houthi movement launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Huan Pu, a tanker owned and operated by a Chinese company. The fifth missile caused minimal damage.

U.S. forces, including the USS Carney, engaged in combat with six Houthi drones in the southern Red Sea. Five drones fell into the water, while one flew towards Houthi-controlled Yemen. U.S. Central Command continued to assert that these drones posed an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels in the region.

• March 27: U.S. forces shot down four long-range drones launched by the Houthi movement targeting a U.S. warship in the Red Sea.

• March 28: U.S. forces destroyed four long-range drones launched by the Houthi movement targeting a coalition vessel and a U.S. warship in the Red Sea.

• March 30: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system and another drone preparing to launch from Houthi-controlled areas.

April 2024

• April 1: U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi unmanned surface vessel.

• April 3: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gravely and other U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile and two drones launched at the USS Gravely. Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi-controlled areas.

• April 4: U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile that posed a threat to coalition and commercial vessels.

• April 6: U.S. forces destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi-controlled areas. Additionally, U.S. forces shot down a drone and destroyed an incoming anti-ship missile.

• April 8: U.S. forces destroyed an air defense system containing two missiles ready for launch, a ground control station, and a drone system launched over the Red Sea. Additionally, the Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at a British cargo ship, the "Island Hope," which was under the protection of coalition warships.

• April 9: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason and other U.S. forces destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from the Gulf of Aden. The Houthi movement appeared to target the MV Yorktown, a vessel owned and operated by the U.S. and flying the U.S. flag.

• April 10: U.S. forces shot down two drones launched by the Houthi movement in the Gulf of Aden and a third drone launched over the Red Sea. Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed eight drones in Houthi-controlled areas.

• April 11: U.S. forces destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas towards the Red Sea.

• April 13: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Gulf of Aden.

• April 14: U.S. forces destroyed four drones in Houthi-controlled areas, which posed a threat to vessels in those regions.

• April 16: U.S. forces successfully shot down two drones in Houthi-controlled areas.

• April 24: A British vessel intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi territory in the Gulf of Aden. The missile appeared to target the MV Yorktown, a vessel owned and operated by the U.S.

Additionally, U.S. forces shot down four drones in Houthi-controlled areas.

• April 25: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Gulf of Aden.

Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed an unmanned surface vessel and a drone in Houthi-controlled areas.

• April 26: The Houthi movement launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles at the MV MAISHA (a vessel flying the flags of Antigua and Barbuda, operated by Liberia) and the MV Andromeda Star (a British-owned vessel flying the Panama flag, operated by Seychelles). The MV Andromeda Star sustained minor damage but was able to continue sailing.

Additionally, reports indicated that a U.S. MQ-9 "Reaper" drone crashed in Yemen. The Houthi movement claimed to have shot down the drone over Sa'dah province.

• April 28: U.S. forces shot down five drones over the Red Sea.

• April 29: U.S. forces destroyed a drone launched at the USS Philippine Sea and the USS Laboon in the Red Sea.

Additionally, the Houthi movement launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles and three drones at a vessel flying the Maltese flag, owned by Greece.

• April 30: The Houthi movement claimed to have attacked the MSC Orion, a container ship traversing the Indian Ocean, reportedly owned by Zodiac Maritime, an international shipping company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.

May 2024

• May 2: U.S. forces destroyed three unmanned aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas.

• May 6: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system launched by the Houthi movement over the Red Sea.

Additionally, the Houthi movement launched three drones over the Gulf of Aden. U.S. forces shot down one, coalition vessels shot down another, and the third crashed into the water.

• May 7: The Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Gulf of Aden.

• May 10: A coalition aircraft intercepted a drone system launched by the Houthi movement over the Gulf of Aden.

• May 11: U.S. forces destroyed three drone systems launched by the Houthi movement over the Red Sea.

• May 12: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system launched by the Houthi movement over the Gulf of Aden.

• May 13: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system in Houthi-controlled areas.

Additionally, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason shot down an incoming anti-ship ballistic missile. U.S. forces also destroyed a drone over the Red Sea.

• May 14: U.S. forces destroyed four drone systems in Houthi-controlled areas.

• May 18: The Houthi movement attacked the M/T Wind, a tanker flying the Panamanian flag, owned and operated by Greece, with an anti-ship ballistic missile. The tanker, which was docked in Russia and heading to China, was able to continue sailing without needing assistance.

Additionally, the Houthi movement launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at the Gulf of Aden.

• May 21: The Houthi movement claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 "Reaper" drone using a domestically produced surface-to-air missile. On May 17, videos of the wreckage circulated online.

• May 22: U.S. forces successfully struck four drone systems in Houthi-controlled areas.

• May 23: U.S. forces successfully launched a land-attack cruise missile at Houthi-controlled areas.

• May 25: The Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea.

• May 26: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system launched from Houthi-controlled areas over the Red Sea.

• May 27: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system launched from Houthi-controlled areas over the Red Sea.

• May 28: U.S. forces destroyed five drones launched from the Red Sea by the Houthi movement. Additionally, the Houthi movement launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles, three of which hit the M/V Laax, a bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag, owned and operated by Greece, but it was still able to continue sailing.

Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed two missile launchers in Houthi-controlled areas. The Houthi movement also launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea.

• May 29: U.S. forces destroyed two drone systems in the Red Sea.

The Houthi movement claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 "Reaper" drone using a surface-to-air missile. However, U.S. defense officials denied any loss of aircraft.

• May 30: U.S. forces destroyed eight drones in Houthi-controlled areas and the Red Sea.

Additionally, U.S. and British forces attacked 13 Houthi targets, including underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control stations, and a ship. Some targets were located in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah (near the capital Sana'a) and the southwestern city of Taiz in Yemen. The Houthi movement claimed that 16 people were killed and 35 injured.

With each attack, the U.S. Department of Defense frequently uses the phrase: "These drones and weapons pose an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels in the region."