Red Sea crisis
main part of the Houthi involvement in the Israel–Hamas war From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Red Sea crisis is an ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.[1][9][10] It is also known as the United States–Houthi conflict or United States–Iran proxy war.[11][12][13] The crisis began on 19 October 2023 after attacks by the Houthi movement. The Houthis are a Shia Islamist insurgent group who control parts of Yemen and are backed by Iran. These attacks target Southern Israel. The Houthis also target ships in the Red Sea that they claimed are linked to Israel or its allies (particularly the United States and United Kingdom).[14][15][16][17]
 | This article is about a current military conflict. (February 2025) |
 | This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: No reports of events past February 2024. (April 2024) |
| Red Sea crisis | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of spillover of the Israel–Hamas war, Iran–United States proxy conflict | |||||||
 Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 HouthiIran[2]  Hezbollah[2]Islamic Resistance in Iraq |
Main combatants Israel Operation Prosperity Guardian: | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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| Units involved | |||||||
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Units involved:
Civilian Ships (Non-combatant)
| ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 45+ Houthis killed, 22+ injured[5][6] |
3 Navy SEALs killed[7] 3 MQ-9 Reaper drones shot down. | ||||||
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1 Yemeni,[8] 1 Vietnamese and 2 Filipinos killed 1 ship and 25 crew members captured, Six Egyptian civilians injured One UK-owned cargo ship sunk. At least 20 ships have been damaged by Houthi attacks | |||||||
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The Houthi movement's fighters, who are in opposition to Yemen's internationally recognized government, have maintained control over a significant portion of the country's territory along the Red Sea since 2014. Following the onset of the Israel–Hamas conflict, the group, which is allied with Hamas, commenced launching missiles and drones targeting Israel. Additionally, Houthi militants have attacked various merchant vessels from different nations in the Red Sea, particularly in the Bab-el-Mandeb, which serves as the southern maritime access point to Egypt's Suez Canal and is a critical chokepoint for the global economy. The group has asserted that their actions will continue until Israel halts its military operations against Hamas.[18][19] The Houthis says they consider any Israel-linked ship as a target[20][21][22] including US and UK warships, [23][24] From October 2023 to March 2024, the Houthis attacked more than 60 vessels in the Red Sea.[25]
To avoid attack, hundreds of commercial vessels have been rerouted to sail around South Africa.[26] The Houthis' Red Sea attacks have drawn a military response from a number of countries. In January 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2722, condemning the Houthi attacks and affirming freedom of navigation. [27] The United States-led Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched to protect Red Sea shipping. Since 12 January, the US and UK have led coalition air and missile strikes against the Houthis, while other countries are independently patrolling the waters near Yemen, attacking Houthi vessels in the Red Sea.[28] Undaunted, in May, Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said, "We will target any ships heading to Israeli ports in the Mediterranean Sea in any area we are able to reach".[29]
Houthis and the Israel–Hamas war
Following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the Israel–Hamas war, numerous Iran-backed militant groups across the Middle East (including the Houthis) expressed support for the Palestinians and threatened to attack Israel. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned the United States against intervening in support of Israel, threatening that such an intervention would be met with retaliation by drone and missile strikes.[30] In order to end their attacks in the Red Sea, the Houthis demanded a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war and an end to the accompanying Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.[31][32][33]
Weapons used by Houthi militants
According to Armament Research Services, Houthi weapons are mostly of Russian, Chinese or Iranian origin.[34][35] They are known to use surface-to-surface missiles, artillery rockets, loitering munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).[36] They have several missiles and UAVs capable of reaching Israel from Yemen: Toufan – a surface-to-surface missile, with a range of 1,800 km (1,100 mi).[37] Cruise missiles – from the Iranian Soumar family, with strike ranges of about 2,000 km (1,200 mi).[38] Quds-2 missile – supposedly with a range of 1,350 km (840 mi) but made to strike Israel.[39] Samad-3 and Samad-4 – UAVs/loitering munitions with ranges of 1,800 km (1,100 mi) and further.[40] Wa'id drones – similar to Iran's Shahed 136, loitering munition with a range of 2,500 km (1,600 mi).[41] Naval drones – 7 metres (23 ft) unmanned surface vessels (USVs) laden with explosives.[42][43]
Timeline
October 2023
On 19 October 2023, the Houthis launched three land-attack cruise missiles as well as multiple drones towards Israel. According to the U.S. government, these were all shot down by the USS Carney, a destroyer in the United States Navy.[14] This was the first action by the U.S. military to defend Israel during the Israel–Hamas war. Later, it was reported that the Carney had actually shot down four missiles and 15 drones.[44] This action is considered the beginning of the Red Sea Crisis. Later in the day, Saudi Arabia shot down another missile launched by Houthi.[45] Another missile was reportedly intercepted by Saudi Arabia. More were intercepted by Israel's Arrow anti-ballistic missiles; others fell short of their targets or were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force and the French Navy.[46]
On 27 October, the Houthis fired two drones from the southern Red Sea towards the north. The Israeli military stated the drones were targeted at Israel. One of the two drones fell short, hitting a building next to a hospital in Taba, Egypt. Six people were injured. The other drone fell short and hit near an electricity plant close to the town of Nuweiba, Egypt.[47][48][49] After the drone struck Taba, an official for Houthi posted one-word on X; "Eilat". Eilat is the name of a city in Israel.[50][17]
On 31 October, Houthi attempted a long-range attack on Israel. Houthi launched a ballistic missile and multiple cruise missiles. Israel's Arrow System shot down the ballistic missile. The Israeli Air Force shot down the cruise missiles over the Red Sea. One of the cruise missiles was shot down by an Israeli F-35i Adir fighter jet.[51] This engagement was the first use of the Arrow System during the Israel–Hamas war.[52] The Israeli government also said the interception of the ballistic missile took place above Earth's atmosphere above the Negev Desert. This made it the first instance of space warfare in history.[53][17]
November 2023
On 1 November, the Israeli military shot down missile fired by Houthi. Houthi had fired the missile towards the city of Eilat, Israel.[54][17]
On 8 November 2023, Houthi air defenses shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. This resulted in the first American loss of the conflict.[55]
On 9 November, the Houthis fired yet another missile toward the city of Eilat.[56] The missile was shot down by an Israeli Arrow 3 missile. This marked the first time an Arrow 3 missile had been used to shoot down an enemy missile.[57]
On 14 November, the Houthis fired multiple missiles towards Israel. This included one missile aimed at the city of Eilat. The missiles were shot down by Israeli Arrow missiles.[58]
On 15 November, Houthi launched an attack on the USS Thomas Hudner, a destroyer in the United States Navy. The drone was heading towards the destroyer. In self-defense, the Thomas Hudner shot down the Houthi drone.[59][17]
On 22 November, Houthi once again fired a cruise missile towards the city of Eilat. The missile was shot down by an F-35 fighter aircraft in the Israeli Air Force.[60]
On 23 November, Houthi attacked the USS Thomas Hudner again. Houthi launched a series of attack drones towards the Thomas Hudner. All of the drones were shot down, causing no damage to the ship.[61]
On 24 November, Iran attacked the Malta-flagged container ship, CMA CGM Symi. The Iranian military launched a drone towards the ship. The drone was shot down by an Israeli Air Force fighter jet.[62] A drone was shot down over the Red Sea by an IDF fighter jet.[63]
On 29 November, the USS Carney engaged and shot down a Houthi KAS-04. Houthi launched the drone towards the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.[64]
On 30 November, Saudia Arabia reported that Israel had conducted a military strike against Houthi. The airstrike occurred in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen. Saudia Arabia reported that Israel had struck a Houthi weapons depot. This was denied by Houthi and they reported the Israeli airstrike hit a gas station.[65]
December 2023
On 6 December, Houthi launched military strikes against the Israeli military in the city of Eilat. Houthi launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the Israeli military. None of the missiles hit the military. Also on 6 December, the USS Mason shot down a drone launched by Houthi. The USS Mason is a destroyer in the United States Navy.[66]
On 10 December, the Languedoc, a frigate in the French Navy, shot down two drones launched by Houthi.[67]
On 16 December, the United States Navy shot down 14 drones launched by Houthi.[68] On the same day, the Egyptian Air Defense Forces, a branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces, shot down a object flying around the town of Dahab, Egypt.[69]
On 18 December, the Indian military deployed the INS Kolkata to the Gulf of Aden. The INS Kolkata is a destroyer in the Indian Navy. It was deployed for maritime security. The INS Kochi, another destroyer, was already deployed in the region to stop pirates.[70]
On 26 December, Houthi conducted a series of drone strikes against Israel. Drone strikes were reported over Eilat and other parts of Israel.[71] The United States military shot down 12 Houthi drones. They also shot down five missiles fired by Houthi. Israel also shot down an object launched by Houthi over the Red Sea.[72]
After this conflict grew into an ongoing civil war, millions of residents were internally displaced, and a Saudi-led coalition responded by imposing a blockade of Yemen. These combined to shrink the economy by half and contributed to famine in Yemen since 2016, one of the worst in the world.[73][74][75]
The US military destroyed drones in Yemen's Houthi-held region and over the Red Sea due to perceived threats, exacerbating tensions in the conflict-ridden area. This comes amidst ongoing attacks by the Houthis and challenges to diplomatic efforts to end the Yemeni war.[76]
On 10 December 2023, the French Navy's frigate Languedoc, operating in the Red Sea, intercepted two drones launched from Hodeida, a Houthi-held port.[77] On 11 December 2023, the Norwegian oil tanker Strinda, fell victim to an overnight air attack, causing a fire on board.[78] The Languedoc intervened once again, intercepted a Houthi drone targeting the damaged tanker and subsequently placed itself in the protection of the vessel, preventing further attacks. The fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported. The vessel was then escorted to the Gulf of Aden out of the threat zone by an American destroyer, USS Mason.[79][80] The US Navy reportedly shot down 14 drones on 16 December 2023,[81] while Egyptian Air Defense Forces intercepted an object flying near Dahab.[82]
By 21 December 2023, the port of Eilat, which gives Israel via the Red Sea its only easy shipping access to Asia without the need to transit the Suez Canal, had seen an 85% drop in activity due to the Houthi action.[83]
January 2024
On 2 January 2024, the Iranian-backed Houthi movement launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles towards commercial ships in the southern Red Sea.[84] The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) conducted an analysis of the attacks and reported the target of the attack was the Malta-flagged container ship CMA CGM TAGE.[85][86] The missiles landed in the water near the ship, causing no damage.[87] Houthi claimed the CMA CGM TAGE was heading towards Israel, but it was actually heading towards Egypt.[85]
On 6 January, Houthi launched an attack on the USS Laboon. The Laboon is a destroyer in the United States Navy. Three days later on 9 January, Houthi launched a series of drones and missiles at dozens of merchant ships. This caused the United States Navy and the United Kingdom's Navy to respond.
On 9 January 2024, Houthi forces launched 18 one-way suicide drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile at dozens of civilian-operated merchant vessels in the Red Sea.[88][89] These were all shot down by a combined United States and United Kingdom naval force.[90][91] No damage was reported to any ships.[92]
On 11 January, Houthi failed an attack on the commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Also during the day, the Iranian Navy seized control of the Marshall Islands-flagged, United States-controlled and Greek-operated civilian oil tanker St Nikolas.[93] In the evening of 11 January, The United States seized control and later sunk an Iranian dhow. The dhow was transporting supplies to the Houthi movement. The operation resulted in the entire crew of the vessel being captured. Two U.S. Navy SEALs (or soldiers) were lost at sea. This is the first and currently only casualties the United States suffered during the crisis.[94][95] On 11 January 2024, the Iranian-backed Houthi movement launched one anti-ship ballistic missiles towards commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden.[96] One commercial ship saw the missile hit the water and reported there was no damage caused by it. This was the 27th attack by Houthi since October 2023.[97][98]
On 12 January, a coalition launch a large-scale missile attack against the Houthi movement in Yemen.[99][100] The coalition consisted of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands. This attack was the first attack of Operation Poseidon Archer. While retaliating for the airstrikes, Houthi mistakenly targeted the Panama-flagged oil tanker M/T Khalissa. The ship which was carrying oil towards the Russian port of Ust-Luga.[101][102]
On 14 January, the Iranian backed Houthi movement attacked the USS Laboon, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy.[103][104] At about 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), the Houthis launched an anti-ship cruise missile towards the Laboon, which was sailing on the Red Sea.[14][87] This missile was shot down by an American fighter jet around the coast of Al Hudaydah.[14][87] There was no damage or injuries as a result of this attack, which occurred just over a week after another attack on the USS Laboon.[14] This attack was also the first U.S.-acknowledged attack by the Houthis since a devastating series of airstrikes by the United States and United Kingdom two days earlier.[14]
On 15 January, the Iranian-backed Houthi movement attacked the Marshall Islands-flagged, United States-owned and operated bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle.[105][106][107] At around 4 p.m. Sanaa time, Houthi launched an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the Gibraltar Eagle.[14][87] This missile hit the Gibraltar Eagle and caused damage and a fire onboard.[14][87] Shortly after the attack, Eagle Bulk Shipping, the company that owns the Gibraltar Eagle reported that the ship sustained damage to the cargo hold, but the situation on board was stable.[107][108]
On 16 January 2024, during the Red Sea Crisis, the Iranian-backed Houthi movement attacked the Maltese-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Zografia in the southern Red Sea.[109][110] At about 1:45 p.m. Sanaa time, Houthi launched an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the Zografia.[14] The Zografia was struck by the missile, causing damage to the ship.[111] The damage was minor enough for the Zografia to continue their journey.[14][112]
Houthi brigadier general Yahya Saree posted that the Zografia was fired on because it refused to answer warning calls and was on its way to an Israeli port.[113][114] The Zografia reported that it was heading for Suez, Egypt, not Israel.[113]
On 17 January, the Iranian-backed Houthi movement attacked the Marshall Islands-flagged, United States-owned and operated bulk carrier Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.[115][116][87] According to the United States military, a one-way suicide unmanned aircraft system struck the Genco Picardy at approximately 8:30 pm Sanaa time. The Genco Picardy sustained damage, but remained seaworthy and could continue its journey.[87][14]
On 17 January, Houthi launched a one-way suicide drone and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged, United States-owned and operated bulk carrier Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.[115][116]
On 4 January, just hours after the warning, Houthis launched an unmanned surface vessel (USV) towards US Navy and commercial vessels, but it detonated well over 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) from the ships.[117]
On 7 January, the Houthi movement stated that retaliatory attacks against the US Navy would continue unless the US hands over the Navy servicemembers who killed the 10 Houthi attack boat personnel for them to stand trial in Yemen.[118]
On 10 January, a large-scale attack was initiated by the Houthis against USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Gravely, USS Laboon, USS Mason and HMS Diamond, in which at least 21 UAVs and missiles were launched.[119]
On 14 January, American and British airstrikes were reported in Hodeida, and spy planes were reportedly spotted near the area. Reports also suggested that Israel was involved in the attacks.[120][121] On 16 January, the US struck four Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles as they were being prepared to target ships in the Red Sea.[122]
On 22 January, in the eighth round of strikes against Houthis, the US and UK conducted airstrikes against eight Houthi targets in the vicinity of Sanaa airfield.[123][124]
On 21 January 2024, the French frigate Alsace joined defence operations in the Red Sea after transitting through the Suez Canal, reinforcing French assets deployed in the area in the face of Houthi attacks against international shipping.[125][126][127]
On 24 January, Houthi claimed to have attacked US destroyers and other warships in the Red Sea. This attack supposed to be in response to Operation Poseidon Archer. Houthi claimed to have directly hit a US destroyer with a missile during the attack.[128]
On the night of 26 to 27 January, the French frigate Alsace came to the aid of an oil tanker on fire in the Gulf of Aden, alongside Indian and American destroyers INS Visakhapatnam and USS Carney. The fire suffered by the Marlin Luanda tanker was caused by a missile fired from Yemen. It was brought under control after 20 hours, with no casualties sustained.[129][130] On 29 January, Danish frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt departed from the Korsør naval base for the Red Sea to assist the US-led coalition in safeguarding commercial traffic against Houthi attacks.[131] On 31 January, top European Union diplomat Josep Borrell announced that the bloc plans to start a naval mission to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea within the following three weeks, and officials stated that seven EU member states were prepared to provide military equipment.[132] An adviser to Borrell stated that the mission's launch date should be 19 February. Borrell added that the mission would be called 'Aspides', which translates to 'protector'.[133]
February 2024
On 3 February, the US and UK bombed 36 Houthi sites in Yemen.[134]
On 10 February, Houthi media announced the names of 17 fighters who were killed in the US-UK strikes.[135]
On 19 February, Houthis claimed they shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Red Sea. US officials said it's true and added that the drone belonged to the US Air Force and crashed off the coast of Hodeidah.[136]
On 20 February, France announced that one of its warships shot down two Houthi UAVs over the Red Sea.[137]
On 22 February, The Houthis launched drones and ballistic missiles aimed at Eilat and an American destroyer in the Red Sea, but authorities reported that none hit their targets. However, two missiles fired by the Houthis struck a cargo ship named Islander, which carries the flag of Palau. This caused a fire and injured one sailor, but the ship continued its journey.[138][139] Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated that operations in the Red Sea and nearby waters were ongoing, growing, and effective. He also announced the use of "submarine weapons," though he did not provide more details on it.[140]
On 24 February, the United States and the United Kingdom carried out their fourth round of joint airstrikes, targeting 18 Houthi sites spread across eight locations. The British Ministry of Defense reported that four Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets, with support from two Voyager tankers, were involved in the airstrikes. According to the Houthis' official news agency, the attacks resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to eight others. This was the first civilian casualties during these joint airstrikes that are conducted by the US and UK on Houthi-ruled territory in Yemen.[141]
On 26 February, the German frigate Hessen launched two SM-2 missiles at an American Reaper drone in a friendly fire incident. The missiles missed their target, falling into the sea.[142]
Houthis claimed that they attacked Eilat and a number of American warships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea with drones.[143] On the morning of 22 February, two UAVs targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea were stated to have been intercepted yet again by one of the French FREMM frigates in the area. Later that day, the Houthis' Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center sent statements to shipping insurers and firms announcing a formal ban on vessels owned or partially owned by Israeli, British, or American entities or individuals in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea. The ban also included vessels sailing under the flags of the mentioned nations.[144][145]
On 26 February, damages were reported to Red Sea undersea communications cables. Initial reports by industry sources, African press, and Israeli press, tied this to Houthi attacks that was predicted by international press, while Seacom was unable to confirm the cause, they later confirmed the location of the damage to be in Yemeni maritime jurisdictions.[146] Press releases by Seacom and Flag Telecom were describing the difficulty of repair due to the crisis in shipping.[147][148]
March 2024
On 4 March, Houthi Telecommunication Minister Misfer Al-Numair stated that ships entering Yemeni waters must have a permit from the Houthi-controlled Maritime Affairs Authority.[149]
On 2 March, during Operation Aspides, the Italian destroyer Caio Duilio shot down a Houthi missile over the Red Sea. The missile was within 4 miles (6.4 km) of the destroyer before it was shot down.[150] On 4 March 2024, INS Kolkata, deployed to the Gulf of Aden, responded to a request from MSC Sky II, a Liberian flagged container vessel, that had reportedly been attacked by a drone or missile, at about 1900 h (IST) on 4 March 24, 90 nm southeast of Aden. The ship's master reported smoke and flames onboard following the attack. INS Kolkata was quickly redirected to provide the required support, and by 2230 hours (IST), it had reached the incident site. The Kolkata then escorted the ship from the area of the incident into the territorial seas of Djibouti at the master's request. Early on 5 March, a 12-person specialized firefighting team from Kolkata boarded the Sky II and extinguished the remaining fires. In addition, an explosive ordnance disposal team boarded the Sky II to evaluate residual risk. The 23-person crew, 13 of whom were citizens of India, were safe, and the ship continued sailing towards its next destination.[151][152][153]
On 8 March, Finland announced they will send up to five officers to the European-led Operation Aspides and up to two soldiers to take part in the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian.[154] The Royal Netherlands Navy also confirmed the same day that it would be sending the De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp to the Red Sea. The frigate would be a part of Operation Prosperity Guardian but also support Operation Aspides. The frigate is manned with 200 sailors. She has a NH90 maritime attack helicopter on board and is equipped to intercept incoming missiles and drones. The Netherlands also announced its intent to send a joint logistics support vessel to the Red Sea in the following month.[155] On 9 March, the French FREMM Alsace patrolling the Gulf of Aden under the newly launched EU Aspides mission, as well as French Mirage 2000-5 stationed in Djibouti, intercepted 4 Houthi UAVs threatening commercial transit that day.[156]
On 12 March, the Italian Ministry of Defense reported that the Duilio had shot down two Houthi drones in self-defense.[157] On 14 March, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that the Houthis claimed to have a hypersonic missile, citing an unnamed official and no evidence.[158] On 18 March, Yemeni Houthis launched a cruise missile that successfully struck Israel, reportedly hitting an open area north of Eilat. Israel stated there was no damage or injuries caused.[159] On 20 March, the embarked Panther helicopter of the French FREMM Alsace shot down a Houthi UAV flying towards commercial vessels over the southern Red Sea. The door gunner of the helicopter, which was patrolling in the area, engaged and destroyed the UAV with a 7.62 mm machine gun.[160][161] The same day, a US Navy sailor assigned to the USS Mason went missing while conducting supporting operations in the Red Sea. On 23 March, the US Department of Defense declared him as dead, stating that his death occurred in a non-combat incident.[162]
On the morning of 21 March, the embarked helicopter of the German frigate Hessen destroyed a seaborne drone (USV) in the Red Sea. Later that day, the French FREMM Alsace, providing close protection to merchant shipping in the area, engaged and destroyed 3 Houthi ballistic missiles threatening the transit with its Aster 30 missiles.[163][164] The same day, Bloomberg had reported that the Houthis reached a deal with Russia and China, agreeing to provide safe passage for vessels under their jurisdiction in exchange for political support.[165] The IDF also announced on the same day that it intercepted a "suspicious aerial target" approaching Israeli territory over the Red Sea.[166] On 27 March, the US Navy said it shot down four Houthi UAVs targeting warships in the Red Sea.[167]
April 2024
On 3 April, Danish chief of defense Flemming Lentfer was fired after failing to report flaws regarding air defenses and weapons systems aboard the Ivar Huitfeldt frigate which emerged after a Houthi attack in March, when the frigate's air defenses failed while engaging with Houthis. A problem also occurred with the frigate's ammunition system, which caused half of the rounds it fired to detonate before hitting their target.[168] In April, Tim Lenderking, the United States special envoy for Yemen, stated that he hoped to achieve a diplomatic solution with the Yemeni Houthis in regard to their attacks, and that the US would consider removing the Houthis from its designated terrorist list if they ceased their attacks.[169]
On 9 April, the IDF used a seaborne missile from the INS Magen to shoot down a UAV for the first time. The UAV, which came from the Red Sea, breached Israeli airspace and crossed into the area of the Gulf of Aqaba, setting off sirens in Eilat.[170][171] On 10 April, the US military said it destroyed eleven drones belonging to the Houthis which it said presented a threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels. Eight of the drones were destroyed in Houthi-controlled territory, while three were shot down; two over the Gulf of Aden and another over the Red Sea.[172] On 13 April, the Houthis in coordination with Iran launched several drones at Israel amidst the Iranian strikes against Israel, according to the maritime security agency Ambrey. The organization said that the target of the drones are potentially Israeli ports, and that collateral damage to shipping is likely.[173] The following day, the IDF's C-Dome system intercepted an aerial target in the Eilat area, which came from the direction of the Red Sea.[174]
On 18 April, the Iranian spy ship MV Behshad, which is suspected of assisting the Houthis, left its position at sea and started to sail towards the port of Bandar Abbas.[175] On 25 April, a Greek frigate intercepted two Houthi drones in the Red Sea.[176] On 26 April, the Houthis said they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen. The US confirmed the crash of an MQ-9 Reaper in the area and launched an investigation into it.[177]
May 2024
On May 31, the United States Navy and Royal Navy struck thirteen Houthi locations across Yemen, damaging underground facilities and ships, killing at least two people and injuring ten.[178]
In early May, Houthi-run Saba News Agency reported that at least 18 people were arrested on suspicions of spying for the US and Israel. According to Saba, the supposed spy network was formed in November. Saba did not provide evidence to support the claim, but said that the men had confessed to spying.[179] On 7 May, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower returned to Red Sea after a short port call in late April at Souda Bay, Crete to resupply.[180]
On 10 May, a coalition warplane intercepted a Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden. The following day, three other drones were intercepted over the Red Sea. No casualties or damage to shipping were reported in borh incidents.[181]
On 15 May, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a MQ-9 Reaper drone near Marib, later releasing footage of its purported downing. The US military however declined to comment.[182]
On 21 May, the Houthis claimed to have shot down another MQ-9 Reaper drone, stating it crashed in Al Bayda Governorate.[183]
On 29 May, the Houthis claimed that they shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone with a surface-to-air missile over Marib province. Footage obtained by the Associated Press displayed a damaged drone, however it remained mostly intact and lacked signs of blast damage. It also lacked markings, and the downing was not acknowledged by local authorities. Associated Press reported that a USAF official denied the loss of aircraft on the theater, meanwhile the CIA that operates those drones refused to comment.[184]
On 30 May, the US and UK conducted strikes against 13 Houthi targets across Yemen, killing 16 people and injuring at least 35 others.[185]
The Houthis on the next day threatened to escalate their attacks in response and claimed to have targeted the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower with drones and ballistic missiles. An American defence official told The Associated Press that the ship was in fine condition.[186]
The US Central Command meanwhile reported that the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles and a drone over the Gulf of Aden, with the drone being intercepted and the missiles not causing any damage. In addition, it stated that they also launched four drones over the Red Sea, with three being intercepted and one crashing into the water.[187]
June 2024
The Houthis targeted the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Gravely, and three commercial vessels on 1 June. The US Central Command confirmed the attacks, while adding that no casualties or damage was reported, with one drone being intercepted in the southern Red Sea and two others crashing into the water. It also added that it had shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles targeting USS Gravely.[188][189]
On 3 June, the IDF's Arrow defense system intercepted a surface-to-air missile aimed at Eilat from the direction of the Red Sea.[190] The Houthis later claimed that they were targeting an IDF site with a ballistic missile named Palestine.[191]
On 6 June, the group and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed to have launched two coordinated attacks on Haifa.The Houthis later stated that they would intensify their joint operations with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.[192]
The Houthis targeted the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Gravely, and three commercial vessels on 1 June. The US Central Command confirmed the attacks, while adding that no casualties or damage was reported, with one drone being intercepted in the southern Red Sea and two others crashing into the water. It also added that it had shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles targeting USS Gravely.[193][194]
On 3 June, the IDF's Arrow defense system intercepted a surface-to-air missile aimed at Eilat from the direction of the Red Sea.[195] The Houthis later claimed that they were targeting an IDF site with a ballistic missile named Palestine.[196]
On 6 June, the group and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed to have launched two coordinated attacks on Haifa.The Houthis later stated that they would intensify their joint operations with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.[197]
On 6 June, at least eleven Yemeni UN workers were arrested by the Houthis. Four days later, the group claimed that they had arrested an undisclosed number of members of an "American-Israeli spy network" that disguised itself as international and UN organizations, and aired purported confessions from ten Yemenis, claiming that several of them were recruited by the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. None of the people in the taped confessions however were among the UN workers arrested four days earlier.[198] The Houthi-run Al-Masirah television channel on 7 June reported that the US and the UK had carried out four airstrikes on the Hodeida International Airport and the Port of Salif, in addition to two airstrikes on the al-Thawra region to the north of Sana'a. No casualties were reported, while neither the US and UK confirmed the attacks.[199]
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