Tensions soared between the Houthi militia in Yemen and the United States after Houthis seized the crew of a commercial shipping vessel on Nov. 19, 2023. Houthis launched attacks–using drones, missiles, and small boats–on commercial shipping and naval warships in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important waterways for international commerce. The Houthis initially claimed that they were targeting commercial ships on their way to or linked to Israel to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The United States responded on December 18 by launching Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition of more than 20 countries with a mandate to protect international shipping. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III said its mission was “to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity.”
On January 11, 2024, the United States mobilized Operation Poseidon Archer, a separate coalition willing to conduct offensive operations to degrade Houthi military capabilities. It included the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, and the Netherlands. “It is something that CENTCOM has named in terms of multilateral strikes and dynamic strikes within Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen,” Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters on January 25. The coalition launched more than 10 airstrikes on Houthi missile, radar, and storage facilities in January.
Operation Poseidon Archer signaled that the United States would “not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation,” President Joe Biden said on January 11. “I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.” Biden also repeatedly warned regional players backed by Iran, including the Houthis, against widening the Middle East war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
By mid-March 2024, U.S. and coalition partner strikes had destroyed “over 150 missiles and launchers, and also storage and support buildings, UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] storage buildings, communication buildings, underground storage facilities, and UAV ground stations,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson. Yet the Houthi attacks persisted. Houthi leaders claimed that U.S. pressure would not change their campaign in the Red Sea, which handled about 10 to 15 percent of global seaborne. During the first eight months of the conflict, the Houthis attacked U.S. Navy or commercial vessels more than 190 times, according to the Pentagon.
October 2023
October 19: Houthis fired three land-attack cruise missiles and several drones from Yemen, reportedly targeting Israel. The USS Carney intercepted the missiles and drones.
October 31: Houthis fired an unspecified number of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. The Houthis vowed to “continue to carry out qualitative strikes with missiles and drones until the Israeli aggression stops.” Israel intercepted all of the aerial threats, which included one surface-to-surface missile.
November 2023
November 8: Houthis shot down a U.S. drone. They claimed that the drone, an MQ-9 Reaper, was in Yemeni airspace.
November 14: Houthis launched a surface-to-surface missile towards Eilat, Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted the missile before it entered Israeli airspace.
November 15: The USS Thomas Hudner intercepted a drone in the Red Sea that had been launched from Yemen.
November 19: Houthis seized the Galaxy Leader, a British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship, in the Red Sea and took 25 crew members hostage. They claimed that the vessel was linked to Israel and a “legitimate target.” The British company that owns the ship had links to Abraham Ungar, an Israeli businessman, although the ship was leased to Nippon Yusen (NYK), a Japanese company. The Houthis vowed to continue targeting Israel-linked vessels until the Israeli campaign in Gaza ended.
November 22: The USS Thomas Hudner intercepted several drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. No injuries or damage were reported. The same day, the IDF said that it shot down a Houthi cruise missile over the Red Sea bound for Eilat.
November 26: Houthis fired two ballistic missiles at the USS Mason while it was responding to a distress call from the Central Park, a commercial tanker operated by Zodiac Maritime, an international shipping company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
November 29: The USS Carney intercepted an Iranian-produced drone launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
December 2023
December 1: Israel struck an arms depot in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. The Houthis denied the report by Saudi media.
December 3: Houthis fired ballistic missiles at three commercial ships in the Red Sea–the Unity Explorer, a British-owned and -operated bulk carrier; Number 9, a British-owned and -operated container ship; and Sophie II, a Japanese-owned and -operated bulk carrier. The USS Carney responded to their distress calls. It also shot down three drones; the target of the drones was unclear.
Dec. 6, 2023: The Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Eilat. It was intercepted by Israel's Arrow defense system.
December 7: The U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned 13 individuals for providing funds to the Houthis.
December 11: Houthis fired an anti-ship cruise missile that hit the M/T Strinda, a Norwegian-flagged commercial tanker, in the Bab al-Mandab Strait of the Red Sea. The USS Mason responded to its mayday call.
December 13: Two missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen narrowly missed the Ardmore Encounter, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker. The USS Mason shot down a drone during the incident.
December 14: Houthis launched a missile at the M/V Maersk Gibraltar, a Hong Kong-flagged cargo vessel, after firing a ballistic missile north of the Bab al-Mandab.
December 15: Houthis struck two Liberian-flagged tankers in the Red Sea. A Houthi drone struck the M/V Al Jasra, which was set ablaze. Houthis also fired two ballistic missiles toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait. One hit the M/V Palatium III. The USS Mason responded to the second incident.
December 16: The USS Carney intercepted 14 drones that had been launched in a wave from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The British HMS Diamond also shot down a drone.
December 18: The United States established Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational initiative focused on security in the Red Sea. It included the United States, Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain. Houthis also claimed to have fired drones at the MSC Clara and Swan Atlantic, two commercial vessels.
December 19: The United States, European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Australia, the Bahamas, Japan, Liberia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and others jointly condemned Houthi maritime aggression. The 44 signatories represented the countries that flagged the most commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea.
December 23: The USS Laboon intercepted four drones from Houthi-controlled Yemen. It also responded to distress calls from the M/V Blaamanen, a Norwegian-flagged tanker, and M/V Saibaba, an Indian-flagged tanker that had been targeted by Houthi drones.
December 26: Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the United VIII, a commercial tanker. They also launched a drone on southern Israel, which was intercepted over the Red Sea.
December 28: The USS Mason intercepted one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Houthis over the Red Sea. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned one individual and three entities for facilitating Iranian “financial assistance” to the Houthis.
December 31: Houthis deployed on four small boats attacked the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged container ship, and attempted to board the vessel. Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower responded and sank three of the four boats, killing their crews.
January 2024
January 1: The Alborz, an Iranian warship, entered the Red Sea. Its mission was not specified.
January 2: Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the southern Red Sea. No commercial ships reported damage.
January 3: The United States and 13 partners issued a joint statement warning the Houthis to cease maritime aggression or face a military response. Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom joined the statement.
January 4: Houthis launched a drone that came within a few miles of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels before detonating in the Red Sea. The incident marked the first use by the Houthis of an unmanned surface vessel.
January 6: The USS Laboon intercepted a drone that had been launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen.
January 9: Houthis launched a large-scale attack, consisting of 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile. They were all 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 Houthis. The operation, off the coast of Somalia, marked the first seizure of Iranian weapons since the Houthis began their Red Sea attacks in November 2023.
January 11-12: The United States and United Kingdom – with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia – launched more than 150 precision-guided munitions strikes on 60 targets, including radars, missile and drone launch sites, and weapons storage facilities in Yemen. The joint operation was dubbed “Operation Poseidon Archer.”
January 12: Houthis mistakenly fired a missile at a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying Russian oil in a missile attack. The USS Carney conducted a strike on a Houthi radar in Yemen. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned two companies–based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates–that have shipped Iranian commodities to the Houthis.
January 13: U.S. President Joe Biden said that Washington had delivered a back-channel message to Iran about Houthi maritime aggression.
January 15: Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a U.S.-owned and-operated bulk carrier flagged by the Marshall Islands.
January 16: U.S. forces destroyed four anti-ship ballistic missiles that were prepared to launch from Houthi-controlled Yemen. Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into the southern Red Sea and struck the M/V Zografia, a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier.
January 17: Houthis attacked the M/V Genco Picardy, a U.S.-owned and -operated bulk carrier flagged by the Marshall Islands. The drone crashed into the vessel southeast of Aden. The same day, U.S. forces struck 14 missile sites in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The United States formally named the Houthis a ‘Special Designated Global Terrorist Organization,’ which was scheduled to take effect on February 16, 2024.
January 18: U.S. forces struck two Houthi anti-ship missiles that were being prepared for launch in Yemen. Houthis fired two anti-ship missiles at the M/V Chem Ranger, a U.S.-owned and Greek-operated bulk carrier flagged by the Marshall Islands. In a televised speech, Houthi leader Abdul Malek al Houthi thanked God “for this great blessing and great honor — for us to be in a direct confrontation with Israel and America.” He claimed that pressure would not change the Houthi stance.
January 19: U.S. forces destroyed three Houthi missiles and launchers in Yemen as they were primed to attack commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea.
January 20: U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed at the Gulf of Aden.
January 21: U.S. Central Command confirmed the death of two Navy SEALs who were swept into the Arabian Sea on January 11 as the SEALs seized and boarded a sailboat transporting Iranian missile parts and weapons to the Houthis.
January 22: Vice Admiral Brad Cooper claimed that Iran was “very directly involved” in the Houthis’ Red Sea attacks. The United States denied a Houthi claim that they had attacked the M/V Ocean Jazz, a U.S.-flagged bulk carrier.
January 23: U.S. forces struck two anti-ship missiles in Yemen as they were prepared for launch at targets in the Red Sea.
January 24: Iran reportedly informed Washington via back-channels that it is not seeking a war. Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the M/V Maersk Detroit, a U.S.-flagged, -owned and -operated container ship. The USS Gravely intercepted two of the missiles; the third landed in the Red Sea. Houthis ordered U.S. and British staff of Sanaa-based humanitarian organizations to leave Yemen within a month.
January 25: The U.S. Treasury, jointly with the United Kingdom, sanctioned four Houthi military officials. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan flew to Thailand to discuss the Houthi attacks with Chinese officials.
January 26: Houthis fired a ballistic missile toward the USS Carney, which shot down the missile. Houthis attacked the M/V Marlin Luanda, a Marshall Islands-flagged and Bermuda-owned tanker, with an anti-ship ballistic missile. The attack set the ship on fire, but the USS Carney–along with French and Indian vessels–extinguished the blaze.
January 27: The United States struck a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed at the Red Sea. A British warship, the HMS Diamond, repelled a Houthi attack and shot down one drone over the Red Sea.
January 29: The Pentagon rejected a Houthi claim that its militants had attacked the USS Lewis B. Puller.
January 30: Houthis fired one anti-ship cruise missile toward the Red Sea. The USS Gravely intercepted the missile, and there was no damage.
January 31: The United States struck a Houthi surface-to-air missile that was being prepared for launch and was considered “an imminent threat” to U.S. aircraft operating in the region.
February 2024
February 1: U.S. forces shot down one drone over the Gulf of Aden. Later, U.S. forces intercepted a sail drone headed toward international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Houthis fired one ballistic missile at the Koi, a Liberian-flagged and Bermuda-owned container ship.
February 2: Houthis shot a ballistic missile at southern Israel. The IDF intercepted the missile over the Red Sea. The same day, the U.S.S. Carney shot down one drone over the Gulf of Aden, U.S. forces struck four Houthi drones in Yemen, and the U.S.S. Laboon shot down seven drones over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported.
February 3: U.S. forces destroyed six cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
The United States and United Kingdom–with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand–struck 36 Houthi targets in 13 locations in Yemen. The strikes targeted storage facilities, missile launchers, air defense systems, and radars. “This collective action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will continue to bear further consequences if they do not end their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels,” said Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense.
February 4: U.S. forces conducted three air strikes in Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying five anti-ship cruise missiles and one land attack cruise missile.
U.S. Forces, Allies Conduct Joint Strikes in Yemen
As part of ongoing international efforts to respond to increased Iranian-backed Houthi destabilizing and illegal activities in the region, on Feb. 3 at approximately 11:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces,… pic.twitter.com/hlfLY1QjOd— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 3, 2024
February 5: U.S. forces struck two Houthi unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in Yemen.
February 6: Houthis fired six anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea. Three missiles targeted the M/V Star Nasia, a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned and -operated bulk carrier. The USS Laboon intercepted one of the missiles. Another three missiles targeted the M/V Morning Tide, a Barbados-flagged, British-owned cargo ship.
February 8: U.S. forces struck four Houthi unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen.
February 9: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi unmanned surface vehicles (USV), four Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles, and one Houthi land attack cruise missile in Yemen.
February 10: U.S. forces struck two Houthi unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and thrree Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles north of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
February 12: Houthis fired two missiles toward the M/V Star Iris, a cargo ship owned by a Greek company flagged in the Marshall Islands. The M/V Star Iris received minor damages but continued its voyage to Iran after the strike.
February 13: U.S. forces destroyed an anti-ship cruise missile in Houthi-controlled Yemen as it was prepared to launch. Later that day, Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden. U.S. forces did not intercept the missile because it was not projected to hit any ships.
February 14: U.S. forces destroyed seven anti-ship cruise missiles, three drones, and one explosive unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The weapons were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
February 15: Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile toward the M/V Lycavitos, a bulk carrier owned by a British company flagged in Barbados. The M/V Lycavitos received minor damage but continued its voyage after the strike. The same day, U.S. forces launched two strikes against three anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The missiles were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
February 16: Houthis launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea. Three missiles targeted the M/T Pollux, a commercial vehicle owned by a Danish company flagged in Panama. The missiles did not hit the M/T Pollux or any other ships.
U.S. forces struck one anti-ship cruise missile and one unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The missile and USV presented immediate threats to military and commercial ships in the Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command.
February 17: U.S. forces launched five strikes and destroyed three anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and one unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in Houthi-controlled Yemen. This was the first observation of Houthi UUVs.
February 18: Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward M/V Rubymar, a bulk carrier owned by a British company and flagged in Belize. One of the missiles struck and damaged the M/V Rubymar, causing an 18 mile oil slick. U.S. forces responded to the M/V Rubymar’s distress call and transported its crew to a nearby port.
February 19: Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles against the M/V Sea Champion, a grain carrier owned by a U.S. company and flagged in Greece. The M/V Sea Champion received minor damages but continued its voyage to Aden, Yemen. The M/V Sea Champion delivered grain, its eleventh delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen since 2018.
The same day, U.S. forces destroyed a surface-to-air missile launcher in Houthi-controlled Yemen. Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile into the Red Sea, but it did not hit any ships.
Later, a Houthi attack drone struck the M/V Navis Fortuna, a bulk carrier owned by a U.S. company and flagged in the Marshall Islands. The M/V Navis Fortuna received minor damage but continued its voyage.
U.S. forces destroyed one attack drone in Western Yemen that was prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea. U.S. and coalition forces destroyed ten attack drones in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
February 20: The USS Laboon shot down one Houthi anti-ship cruise missile headed in its direction.
February 21: U.S. forces launched four strikes into Houthi-controlled Yemen, which destroyed seven anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile launcher. These weapons were prepared to launch into the Red Sea. The same day, U.S. forces shot down an attack drone in self-defense.
February 22: U.S. forces intercepted six Houthi attack drones in the Red Sea. The drones were likely targeting U.S. warships and presented an imminent threat.
Later, Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden. The missiles struck the M/V Islander, a cargo carrier owned by a British company and flagged in Palau. There was one minor injury, but the ship continued its voyage.
The same day, U.S. forces struck four Houthi drones and two anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The weapons were prepared to launch into the Red Sea.
February 23: U.S. forces shot down three Houthi attack drones in the Red Sea. The drones were near multiple commercial shipping vessels.
Later, U.S. forces destroyed seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen. The missiles were prepared to launch into the Red Sea.
February 24: The U.S.S. Mason shot down one Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile in the Gulf of Aden. The missile targeted the M/V Tom Thor, a chemical/oil tanker owned by a U.S. company and flagged in the United States.
On the same day, the United States and United Kingdom–with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand–struck 18 Houthi targets in 8 locations in Yemen. The strikes targeted weapons storage facilities, drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. “We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that they will bear the consequences if they do not stop their illegal attacks, which harm Middle Eastern economies, cause environmental damage, and disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other countries,” said Defense Secretary Austin.
February 25: U.S. forces shot down two attack drones over the southern Red Sea.
Houthis launched a second anti-ship ballistic missile targeting the M/V Tom Thor. The missile landed in the water.
February 26: U.S. forces destroyed three unmanned surface vehicles (USV), two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one attack drone. The USVs and missiles were prepared to launch into the Red Sea, and the attack drone had already launched into 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 a Houthi attack drone over the southern Red Sea. Also, U.S. forces launched two strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The missiles were prepared 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 prepared to launch toward the Red Sea. Also, Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile into the Red Sea. The missile landed in the water.
March 2: The M/V Rubymar sank in the Red Sea, nearly two weeks after it was struck by a Houthi missile on February 18. The ship was carrying 21,000 tons of fertilizer when it sank, which posed an environmental risk. The sunken ship also presented a subsurface impact risk to other ships traveling through the Red Sea.
March 4: Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Red Sea. The missile landed in the water.
Also, Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden. The missiles targeted the M/V MSC SKY II, a container vessel owned by a Swiss company and flagged in Liberia. One missile struck the vessel, but it was able to continue on route.
That evening, U.S. forces destroyed two anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch from Yemen toward the Red Sea.
March 5: U.S. forces intercepted one anti-ship ballistic missile and three suicide drones above the Red Sea. The weapons targeted the USS Carney.
Also, U.S. forces struck three anti-ship missiles and three unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
March 6: Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile at the M/V True Confidence, a bulk carrier owned by a Liberian company and flagged in Barbados. The missile struck the carrier, killing three people and injuring four more. Nearby U.S. and coalition warships responded to the incident, the first fatal strike on a commercial vessel.
Also, U.S. forces struck against two drones in Houthi-controlled Yemen. U.S. forces assessed that the weapons posed an imminent threat to commercial ships and U.S. vessels in the Red Sea.
March 7: U.S. forces struck four mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one Houthi drone in Yemen. Also, U.S. forces downed three drones launched toward the Gulf of Aden.
March 8: U.S. forces struck two truck-mounted anti-ship missiles. Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the M/V Propel Fortune, a Singapore-flagged, owned, and operated bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden.
March 9: U.S., British and French forces downed at least 28 Houthi suicide drones launched toward the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during a four-hour period late. The drones posed “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels, U.S. Navy, and coalition ships in the region,” according to Central Command. The attack was reportedly the largest swarm of drones launched since October 2023.
March 11: Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the M/V Pinocchio, a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel transiting the Red Sea.
Also, U.S. forces destroyed 18 anti-ship missiles and an unmanned underwater vessel in six strikes in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The weapons posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels, according to U.S. Central Command.
March 12: Houthis fired one close-range ballistic missile at the USS Laboon. Also, U.S. forces and a coalition ship destroyed two unmanned aerial systems launched from Houthi-controlled territory. The weapons posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels.
March 13: Houthis fired one anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden. Also, U.S. forces destroyed four drones and one surface-to-air missile in Houthi-controlled territory. The weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels.
March 14: Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden and two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea. Also, U.S. forces destroyed nine anti-ship missiles and two drones in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The strikes were launched to “protect freedom of navigation,” according to U.S. Central Command.
March 15: Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea.
March 16: Houthis launched two drones into the Red Sea. U.S. forces intercepted and destroyed one drone, and the other drone reportedly impacted in the water. Also, U.S. forces destroyed five unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and one drone in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
March 18: U.S. forces destroyed seven anti-ship missiles, three drones, and three weapons storage containers in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The weapons posed an “imminent threat” to commercial vessels and U.S. Navy ships, according to U.S. Central Command.
Also, Houthis reportedly launched a cruise missile that landed near the southern Israeli city of Eilat. The group had previously fired projectiles at Israel, but Israeli defenses had intercepted all of them.
March 20: A coalition aircraft destroyed one drone, and U.S. forces destroyed one unmanned surface vessel, both launched by Houthis.
March 21: A U.S.-led coalition aircraft destroyed one unmanned surface vessel launched from Houthi-controlled territory. Also, coalition forces destroyed two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward the Red Sea.
Israel intercepted a suspicious aerial target near Eilat that came from the direction of the Red Sea.
March 22: U.S. forces destroyed four drones in Houthi-controlled territory in self-defense. Houthis fired four anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea. Also, U.S. forces struck three Houthi underground storage facilities used to threaten ships.
March 23: Houthis launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the M/V Huan Pu, a Chinese-owned and operated tanker. A fifth missile caused minimal damage.
U.S. forces, including the USS Carney, engaged six Houthi drones over the southern Red Sea. Five crashed into the water, and one flew toward Houthi-controlled Yemen. The drones posed an imminent threat to U.S., coalition and commercial ships in the area, according to U.S. Central Command.
March 27: U.S. forces downed four long-range drones launched by the Houthis at a U.S. warship in the Red Sea.
March 28: U.S. forces destroyed four long-range drones launched by the Houthis at a coalition vessel and a U.S. warship in the Red Sea.
March 30: U.S. forces destroyed one unmanned aerial system over the Red Sea and another that was prepared to launch from Houthi-controlled territory.
April 2024
April 1: U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi unmanned surface vessel in self-defense.
April 3: The USS Gravely and other U.S. forces destroyed an inbound anti-ship ballistic missile and two unmanned aerial systems launched by the Houthis. They had targeted the USS Gravely, a destroyer. Also, U.S. forces destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi-controlled territory.
April 4: U.S. forces destroyed one anti-ship missile in Houthi-controlled territory that posed a threat to coalition forces and merchant vessels.
April 6: U.S. forces destroyed one mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi-controlled territory. Also, U.S. forces downed a drone over the Red Sea and destroyed one inbound anti-ship missile.
April 8: U.S. forces destroyed an air defense system with two missiles ready to launch, a ground control station in Houthi-controlled territory, and one unmanned aerial system launched over the Red Sea. Separately, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile toward the M/V Hope Island, a British-owned cargo ship escorted by a coalition warship in the Gulf of Aden.
A hostile aircraft approached Eilat from the south. Israel's C-Dome, a ship-mounted defense system, downed the target. The system had not previously been used in combat.
April 9: The USS Mason and other U.S. forces destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile launched over the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis appeared to be targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged and U.S.-owned vessel.
April 10: U.S. forces downed two drones launched over the Gulf of Aden and a third drone launched over the Red Sea by the Houthis. Separately, U.S. forces destroyed eight drones in Houthi-controlled territory in self-defense.
April 11: U.S. forces destroyed one anti-ship ballistic missile launched over the Red Sea from Houthi-controlled territory.
April 13: Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile toward the Gulf of Aden.
April 13-14: The Houthis reportedly launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel from al Jawf and al Baydha Governorates in central and eastern Yemen. At the same time, Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel with 185 suicide drones, 110 ballistic missiles and 36 cruise missiles. Iran's militia allies in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq also fired munitions at Israel. The swarm of assaults were retaliation for Israel’s airstrike, on April 1, on an Iranian diplomatic mission in Damascus that killed three Revolutionary Guards generals as well as other military officials.
April 14: U.S. forces destroyed four drones in Houthi-controlled territory that posed a threat to vessels in the region.
April 16: U.S. forces successfully engaged two drones in Houthi-controlled territory that posed an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region.
April 24: A British vessel intercepted one anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden launched from Houthi territory. The target appeared to be the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel.
Separately, U.S. forces downed four drones over Houthi territory.
April 25: Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden.
Separately, U.S. forces destroyed one unmanned surface vessel and one drone in Houthi-controlled territory that posed threats to ships in the area.
April 26: Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea near MV MAISHA, an Antiqua/Barbados flagged, Liberia operated vessel and MV Andromeda Star, a British owned and Panamanian flagged, Seychelles operated vessel. The MV Andromeda star took minor damage but was able to continue its voyage.
Separately, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly crashed in Yemen. The Houthis claimed to have shot it down over Saada governorate.
April 28: U.S. forces downed five drones over the Red Sea.
April 29: U.S. forces destroyed a drone launched towards the USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon in the Red Sea.
Separately, Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles and launched three drones into the Red Sea towards MV Cyclades, a Malta-flagged, Greece-owned vessel.
April 30: Houthis claimed an attack on the MSC Orion, a container ship transiting the Indian Ocean that appeared to be owned by Zodiac Maritime, an international shipping company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
May 2024
May 2: U.S. forces destroyed three uncrewed aerial systems in Houthi-controlled territory. The weapons presented an imminent threat to vessels in the region, according to U.S. Central Command.
May 6: U.S. forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system launched by Houthis over the Red Sea.
Separately, Houthis launched three uncrewed aerial systems over the Gulf of Aden. U.S. forces brought down one, a coalition ship engaged another, and the third crashed in the water.
May 7: Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden.
May 10: A coalition aircraft intercepted an uncrewed aerial system launched by the Houthis over the Gulf of Aden.
May 11: U.S forces destroyed three uncrewed aerial systems launched by the Houthis over the Red Sea.
May 12: U.S. forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system launched by the Houthis over the Gulf of Aden.
May 13: U.S. forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system in Houthi-controlled territory.
Separately, the USS Mason destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea. U.S. forces also destroyed one uncrewed aerial system over the Red Sea.
May 14: U.S. forces destroyed four uncrewed aerial systems in Houthi-controlled territory.
May 18: Houthis struck the M/T Wind, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek owned and operated oil tanker, with one anti-ship ballistic missile. The ship had been docked in Russia and was heading to China. The damaged vessel was able to continue its journey without assistance.
Separately, Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden.
May 21: Houthis claimed to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone using a domestically produced surface-to-air missile. Footage of wreckage had circulated online on May 17.
May 22: U.S. forces successfully engaged four uncrewed aerial systems in Houthi-controlled territory.
May 23: U.S. forces successfully engaged one land attack cruise missile in Houthi-controlled territory.
May 25: Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea.
May 26: U.S. forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system over the Red Sea that was launched from Houthi territory.
May 27: U.S. forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system over the Red Sea that was launched from Houthi territory.
May 28: U.S. forces destroyed five uncrewed aerial systems launched over the Red Sea from Houthi territory. Separately, Houthis launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea. Three hit the M/V Laax, a Marshall Island flagged, Greek-owned and operated bulk carrier, but it was able to continue its voyage.
Also, U.S. forces destroyed two missile launchers in Houthi-controlled territory. Separately, Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea.
May 29: U.S. forces destroyed two uncrewed aerial systems over the Red Sea.
The Houthis claimed to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone using a surface-to-air missile. But a U.S. defense official denied the loss of any aircraft.
May 30: U.S. forces destroyed eight drones in Houthi-controlled territory and over the Red Sea.
Separately, U.S. and British forces struck 13 Houthi targets – including underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control sites, and a ship – in self-defense. Some of the targets were located in the Red Sea port of Hodeida, near the capital, Sanaa, and Taiz, a city in southwestern Yemen. The Houthis claimed that 16 people were killed and 35 wounded.
May 31: Houthis launched one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) into the Red Sea.
Separately, U.S. forces destroyed one UAS over the Gulf of Aden and three others over the Red Sea launched from Houthi-controlled territory.
Also, Houthi launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden.
June 2024
June 1: U.S. forces destroyed one Houthi UAS in the southern Red Sea. Two other UASs crashed into the Red Sea.
Separately, U.S. forces successfully intercepted two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles in the southern Red Sea fired towards the USS Gravely.
June 2: U.S. forces, in self-defense, destroyed one Houthi UAS over the southern Red Sea.
June 3, 2024: Israel’s Arrow system intercepted a ballistic missile that was reportedly fired at Eilat by the Houthis.
June 4: Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea.
June 6: U.S. forces destroyed eight Houthi UASs launched over the Red Sea. Additionally, U.S. forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed USVs in the Red Sea.
Separately, a coalition ship successfully engaged one UAS over the Red Sea.
Also, Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea.
June 7: Houthis launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea.
Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed four UASs and two anti-ship ballistic missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. U.S. forces also destroyed one UAS launched into the Bab al Mandab Strait.
Separately, U.S. forces successfully destroyed a Houthi patrol boat in the Red Sea.
June 9: Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden. One struck M/V Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss owned and operated container ship. M/V Tavvishi reported damage but continued. The second missile was destroyed by a coalition ship.
Separately, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile and one anti-ship cruise missile into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Norderney, an Antigua and Barbados flagged, German owned and operated cargo ship. M/V Norderney reported damage but continued.
Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed one UAS over the Gulf of Aden. Later, U.S. forces successfully destroyed two Houthi land attack cruise missiles and one missile launcher.
June 10: Partner forces destroyed one UAS launched by Houthis into the Gulf of Aden.
June 11: U.S. forces destroyed two anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
June 12: U.S. forces destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and one UAS launched over the Red Sea.
Separately, Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea.
Additionally, Houthi USV struck M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek owned and operated vessel, in the Red Sea. The impact of the USV caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by USS Philippine Sea and partner forces.
June 13: Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack.
U.S. forces destroyed one air defense sensor in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen.
Then, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one Houthi USV and two Houthi patrol boats in the Red Sea.
Separately, U.S. forces destroyed one UAS launched over the Red Sea.
Additionally, Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea.
June 14: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi USVs in the Red Sea.
Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed one UAS launched over the Red Sea.
Separately, U.S. forces destroyed seven Houthi radars that allowed them to target maritime vessels and endanger commercial shipping.
June 17: U.S. forces destroyed four Houthi radars and one USV.
Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed one Houthi UAV over the Red Sea.
June 18: U.S. forces successfully destroyed eight Houthi UASs.
Additionally, partner forces successfully destroyed one Houthi UAV over the Gulf of Aden.
June 19: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi USVs in the Red Sea.
June 20: U.S. forces destroyed four Houthi USVs in the Red Sea, and two UASs over the Red Sea.
June 22: U.S. forces destroyed three Houthi USVs in the Red Sea.
Separately, Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden. U.S. Central Command denied claims about a successful attack by Houthi forces on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
June 22: The Houthis and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed to have launched a coordinated drone attack on two cement tankers and two cargo ships at the port of Haifa. Israeli media reported an explosion in Haifa and Israel’s military reported shooting down a drone launched towards Israel from the east.
June 23: Houthis struck the M/V TRANS WORLD NAVIGATOR, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned, and operated bulk cargo carrier in a suspected UAS attack. The crew reported minor injuries and moderate damage to the ship, but the vessel continued on to Egypt. It marked the fourth attack by Houthis on the M/V TRANSWORLD NAVIGATOR.
June 26: U.S. forces destroyed one Houthi radar site in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
June 26, 2024: The Houthis and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed to have launched drone attacks on targets in Haifa and Eilat as part of a joint military operation. The IDF acknowledged that a drone exploded near Eilat but did not report anything unusual in Haifa.
June 27: U.S. forces destroyed one UAS launched by Houthis into the Red Sea.
June 28: U.S. forces destroyed seven Houthi UAVs and one ground control station vehicle.
June 30: U.S. forces, in self-defense engagement, destroyed three Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in the Red Sea.
July 2024
July 1: U.S. forces destroyed one Houthi radar site.
July 3: U.S. forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi radar sites in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen and two USVs in the Red Sea.
July 4: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi USVs in the Red Sea and one Houthi radar site.
July 7: U.S. forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
July 8: The Houthis claimed to have launched a successful drone attack on Eilat in coordination with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The IDF said that its jets had intercepted a suspicious target approaching from the south before it crossed into Israeli territory.
July 9: U.S. forces destroyed one Houthi UAV in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen.
July 10: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi UAVs over the Red Sea and one USV in the Red Sea.
July 11: U.S. forces destroyed five Houthi USVs in the Red Sea.
July 12: U.S. forces destroyed three Houthi UAVs.
July 14: U.S. forces destroyed two Houthi UAVs over the Red Sea and USV in the Red Sea.
July 15: U.S. forces destroyed five Houthi UAVs, three over the Red Sea and two over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Additionally, Houthis launched multiple attacks against MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated tanker vessel in the Red Sea carrying vegetable oil from Russia to China. Houthis used three surface vessels in the attack, one USV and two small boats.
Later, Iranian-backed Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, over the Red Sea toward MT Bentley I.
Separately, Iranian-backed Houthis attacked MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea. The USV caused damage, but MT Chios Lion did not request assistance.
July 18: U.S. forces successfully destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and four UAVs on the ground in Yemen.
July 19, 2024: The Houthis launched a modified Samad-3 drone that traveled some 1,000 miles from Yemen to Israel. It came from the West and then exploded near the U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, killing one person. Israel attributed the failure to intercept the drone to human error. The Houthis claimed responsibility and said that the drone was a new model called the Yaffa, which could not be detected by radar. The IDF intercepted a second drone that came from the East around the same time.
July 20: U.S. forces destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi UAV over the Red Sea.
July 21: U.S. forces destroyed four Houthi USVs in the Red Sea.
The Houthis launched a missile toward Eilat, but Israel intercepted it.
Related Material:
- Houthi Explainer: Timeline of Attacks
- Houthi Explainer: Conflict with Israel
- Houthi Explainer: U.S. Sanctions
- Houthi Explainer: Leaders and Goals
- Houthi Explainer: Conflict in the Red Sea
- Houthi Explainer: Ties to Iran