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A 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 roamed the seas without anyone 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 the 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 (1959.8.20-2004.9.10) was born in 1956 in 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. His family held a significant position in the Zaydi sect, with many family members engaged in religious study and promotion. His grandfather and uncle were 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 but 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 Iran-India-Pakistan border area, Lebanon), and Alawites (Alawiyyun, found in Syria, Lebanon).

The Zaydi sect is named after Zayd ibn Ali, with Twelvers accounting for over 80% of Shia Muslims, making Zaydism the second-largest branch of Shia Islam. Zaydi followers are mainly distributed in northern Yemen (northern Al-Jawf Province) and areas along the border with Saudi Arabia, with approximately 35% of Yemen's population adhering to Zaydism. It can be said that Zaydism holds 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) and ending over a thousand years of Zaydi rule in northern Yemen. Shortly after the establishment of the Arab Republic of Yemen, it announced the abolition of discriminatory policies based on lineage and sect, stripping Zaydi and Hashemite families 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 Hashemite families in economic development. Politically, the state restricted the activities of the Zaydi sect. Religiously, the influx of Sunni Salafism, under Saudi influence, significantly impacted the Zaydi sect in Yemen, posing a serious threat to its authoritative status.

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 upon 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 patterns, but not entirely.

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

Due to the presence of the Sitra 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 commerce, 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 current Yemen region has no rivers flowing into the sea, and agricultural planting mainly relies on groundwater.

Although it is a Middle Eastern country, Yemen has relatively few oil resources and is one of the most impoverished countries in the region. With a per capita GDP of $600, Yemen still regards oil as a pillar industry.

Yemen possesses the largest mountain resources on the Arabian Peninsula, mainly distributed in northern Yemen, and has a long coastline, primarily in southern Yemen.

Yemen is actually shaped like a rectangle. As shown in the diagram below, drawing a line from the southwest to the northeast extends to the middle of the northern border, marking 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 boasts a long coastline and a quality port in Aden. This port has been a hub for trade with the Mediterranean and the eastern coast of Africa for thousands of years, remaining prosperous.

This led to a gradual tightening of geographical ties between North and South Yemen, with North Yemen providing food to South Yemen, which in turn supplied goods from trade and important communication channels.

If it weren't for its geographical position connecting east and west, leading to its subjugation by major powers, North and South Yemen might have had the opportunity for long-term unification instead of being divided and subject to the ambitions of larger nations.

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, Yemen faced invasions from the Portuguese, Ottoman Empire, and British.

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

Yemen has an independent geographical foundation, and in the early 17th century, the Yemeni people 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, the British occupied Aden in 1839.

After occupying the port, British colonizers often expanded their influence from the port outward, creating a sphere of influence capable of self-protection. In the case of Aden Bay, expanding north faced obstacles from mountains and a large population, while expanding eastward encountered more deserts and fewer people, thus facing relatively less resistance. Therefore, centered in Aden, from 1863 to 1882, the British 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, with the end of World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, 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 forced to recognize British occupation of South Yemen, officially announcing the split between 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, gradually stabilizing the political situation.

Influenced by the independence movement in North Yemen, South Yemen also initiated an anti-colonial movement in 1963 and established the People's Republic of South Yemen, which was renamed the Democratic Republic of Yemen three years later. It pursued a pro-Soviet socialist agenda, 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, with South Yemen merging into North Yemen in 1990, with Saleh as president.

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 against the tyrannical rule of the Umayyad dynasty in Kufa, Iraq. For over a century, the descendants of Zayd ibn Ali and their followers continued to rise against tyranny but faced brutal suppression 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, with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Zaydi sect seized 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 Saleh staged a coup, overthrowing the Badr dynasty and establishing the Arab Republic of Yemen, leading to the North Yemen Civil War. The Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, supported by Saudi Arabia, established an exile government to continue resisting 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, leading to the official dissolution of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom. Despite being marginalized due to the new Yemeni regime's secular governance beyond sectarian lines, the Zaydi sect's ambitions remained, as they eagerly sought to return to the center of power in Yemen.

The Rise of the Houthi Movement

The establishment of the republic in Yemen posed three challenges for the Zaydi sect. Firstly, on the economic front, economic development drove social change, and the increasingly frequent inter-tribal exchanges in Yemen inevitably weakened people's sense of belonging to their tribes. Secondly, on the political front, the inclusive policies implemented by the republic deprived the Zaydi sect of the political privileges it had enjoyed for nearly a thousand years based on its religious identity. At the same time, to further consolidate its power, the republic sought to win over pro-republican tribes using various means while sidelining pro-royalist tribes, further marginalizing the Zaydi sect. Lastly, on the religious front, the spread of Salafism from neighboring Saudi Arabia significantly impacted the religious identity of the Zaydi sect, undermining its status in Yemen.

The year 2003 marked an important turning point for the Zaydi sect. Faced with the external crises of the Afghanistan War and the second Gulf War (the Iraq War) and the bleak economic and political situation of the Zaydi sect internally, they began to direct their grievances towards President Saleh and his ally, the United States. They criticized Saleh for being too close to the U.S. and Israel, sacrificing the interests of the Yemeni people, and condemned his government for corruption, which had reduced Yemen to the poorest country in the Arab world.

The Zaydi sect cleverly utilized anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments for social mobilization, calling on Muslims to resist U.S. and Western hegemony, overthrow the Arab regimes colluding with them, purify the Arab Muslim world, and genuinely safeguard the interests of the Arab people. They borrowed slogans from the Iranian Revolution, forming the famous anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans of the Houthi movement. This further exacerbated tensions with the Yemeni authorities, leading the Yemeni government to launch crackdowns on the Houthi movement, citing reasons of regime subversion and Shia expansion.

In 2004, Hussein al-Houthi was killed in a confrontation with government forces. However, due to his exceptional political skills and unique personal charm, the "Believing Youth" movement had already transformed into a political opposition movement capable of changing the political landscape of Yemen, known as the "Supporters of God" (Ansar Allah), referred to externally as the "Houthi Movement."

In 2004, the Houthi movement began armed conflict with the Yemeni government. Throughout the conflict, the Houthi movement underwent many changes in terms of form, organizational model, and controlled areas, which can be divided into three phases: the six Sa'dah Wars from 2004 to 2010, the "Arab Spring" from 2011 to 2014, and the ongoing Yemeni Civil War since 2015.

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 they 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 believed that Saleh's alliance was 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 Grand Mosque in Sana'a and offered a reward of 10 million Yemeni riyals (approximately $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.

Grand Mosque in 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, which sparked discontent among Houthi members, leading to frequent small-scale clashes. In March 2005, the conflict escalated, involving areas such as Majz, Sahar, Baqim, and Dahya, with the Houthi movement primarily using kidnapping and assassination to confront 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 a general amnesty for Houthi prisoners on the anniversary of the 1962 Republican Revolution, and the Yemeni government again declared unilateral victory, but sporadic clashes 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 Houthi movement was 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, the 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, including a general amnesty from the Yemeni government, discussions on Sa'dah's reconstruction, the Houthi movement's abandonment of heavy weapons, and the establishment of a tripartite committee. However, due to Saudi dissatisfaction with Qatar's mediation, the lack of specific measures in the Sa'dah reconstruction plan, and the Yemeni government's belief that the peace agreement excessively elevated the Houthi movement's status, Qatar's 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. The scale of the war continued to expand, and the conflict deepened, spreading to the northern suburbs of Sana'a, Bani Hushaysh. On July 17, 2008, Saleh unilaterally declared a ceasefire again on the anniversary of his 30 years in power.

Sixth Sa'dah War: August 2009 - February 2010

In August 2009, the Yemeni military launched "Operation Scorched Earth" aimed at suppressing the Sa'dah Houthi rebellion, while the Houthi movement began fighting Saudi forces near the border. In November 2009, with the involvement of the Saudi Air Force, Saleh announced the end of the conflict, and the Yemeni government agreed to a ceasefire with the Houthi movement 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, participating in national politics.

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

In the 1990s, Yemen's Sunni factions rapidly developed with Saudi support, causing concern for President Saleh, who was also a Shia follower. Thus, the crackdown on the Zaydi sect became a means of support.

With Saleh's support, he was elected as a member of parliament alongside the secretary of the al-Haqq Party, Razami. However, the Party of God only secured two seats in the 1993 parliamentary elections due to its detachment from the new generation's ideology.

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

Four years later, the Party of God failed to secure any seats, and its political participation ended in failure.

Hussein al-Houthi subsequently announced his withdrawal from the Party of God, focusing on the activities of the Believing Youth Organization.

In the revival movement of the Zaydi sect, the "Believing Youth" organization was active, holding summer camps that combined religious education with cultural activities and travel, enhancing the identity of Zaydi youth. The "Believing Youth" advocated for the inclusion of ideas from different tribes and social classes, leading tribal leaders to send young members of their tribes to summer camps for study.

After ten years of effort, Hussein al-Houthi achieved good interaction with Zaydi elites and youth, gradually increasing the identity recognition of Zaydi youth in northern Yemen, and the Houthi family gained immense 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, and he is the father of Hussein al-Houthi. Badreddin al-Houthi formed marital alliances with local tribes and Hashemite families, giving birth to many children and 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 the 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, through marital alliances with tribes, possessed strong mobilization capabilities.

When Saleh was re-elected president in 1999, Hussein al-Houthi insisted on creating 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, undercurrents were brewing.

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 achieving a theocratic state but promoted peaceful methods, and he never publicly condemned President Saleh.

However, when he openly opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, he had already completely severed ties with the government. Due to his differing ideology from the government, the strong dissatisfaction of the Zaydi populace towards the government transformed into resistance against President Saleh.

When, in January 2003, the government arrested over 600 Zaydi resistance members and failed to communicate with Hussein al-Houthi, on June 18, 2004, they arrested over 640 people and issued an arrest warrant for Hussein al-Houthi. Both sides had embarked on the path of armed conflict.

Three soldiers were killed in Sa'dah during the arrest of 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 as the core, under the banner of anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments, Zaydi Muslims took up arms in the six-year Sa'dah War, claiming self-defense. Due to Hussein al-Houthi's strong personal charisma, family prestige, and social influence, the armed group centered around young resistance fighters became known as the "Houthi Movement."

Undoubtedly, the Sa'dah War accelerated the rise of the Houthi movement and deepened the disappointment of the Yemeni people and various factions towards the government, exacerbating domestic divisions and turmoil.

In September 2004, Hussein al-Houthi was wounded, surrendered, and was executed. The government believed this would sufficiently intimidate the Houthi movement and cause divisions leading to surrender.

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

Years of war had not dealt a fatal blow to the Houthi movement, and 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 declared 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 was flourishing, advocating for southern independence, and the Southern Movement Organization, established in 2007, gathered many seeking the division of North and South.

The Saleh government was indeed besieged on all sides.

In August 2009, facing public pressure, Saleh launched a military operation dubbed "Operation 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 against Sa'dah Province, 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 of Yemen.

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 station 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 Hajjah, 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 in Yemen and drafting a new constitution. The Hadi government proposed reforms to Yemen's federal structure, reducing the 26 provinces to six regions. However, the Houthi movement and the Southern Transitional Council feared continued marginalization and rejected 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 the commander of the Yemeni Republican Guard to the ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Under these circumstances, Saleh continued to engage with the Houthi movement and formed an alliance with them. In September 2014, pro-Saleh forces, alongside the Houthi movement, captured Sana'a. By the end of the year, the Houthi movement controlled most of Sana'a 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 gain widespread international recognition, 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 resistance movements against the government. The Saleh government hurriedly suppressed these movements, while the Houthi movement became the voice of discontent 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 conflict with each other.

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

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, the government forces stood by.

Afterward, the Houthi movement formed a coalition government with the Hadi government, jointly governing.

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

Hadi then fled Sana'a under the protection of the presidential guard to Aden, where he reorganized the government and condemned the Houthi movement's actions to overthrow the government.

The Houthi movement then advanced southward, clashing with the armed forces of the Reform Party, the Hadi government, and their supporters, resulting in a complete rout. They captured major cities in Yemen.

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

In June 2015, during peace negotiations in Geneva, the Yemeni government and Houthi representatives 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 intending to use economic sanctions to pressure the Houthi movement.

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 occurred between the two sides. 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 John Kerry was also well-received by the Houthi-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 in relations was short-lived, as tensions and conflicts resurfaced. 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 faced Saudi interference and was forced to remain in Oman after concluding a visit to Iraq. Meanwhile, internal conflicts within the Houthi-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 powers, leading to disagreements over power distribution and relations with Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

In July 2017, on the eve of Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, the Houthi movement launched a ballistic missile, further intensifying Saudi hostility towards them. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also tightened sanctions against Yemen. On December 2 of the same year, Saleh announced his 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 believe that although the Stockholm Agreement included provisions for ceasefires in places like Hudaydah and prisoner exchanges, marking a restart of the Yemeni peace process negotiations, it largely served as a temporary measure to control 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 within Yemen and forming a new government, but ultimately yielding little result.

In August 2023, Hans Grundberg was appointed as the new UN Special Envoy for Yemen, succeeding Martin Griffiths to advance the Yemeni peace process.

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

The Houthi movement has consistently received support from Iran, not only due to sectarian ties but also because the Houthi movement is an important pillar of 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, fearing that Iran would establish military control over Yemen and disrupt the regional religious balance, expanding 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 nine other countries, launched "Operation Decisive Storm," sending 150,000 troops into Yemen, equipped with F-15s 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.

While 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, resulting in 147 casualties, including the highest commander in the war zone.

In September 2019, the Houthis launched an airstrike on Saudi oil fields, causing 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, resulting in total annihilation, with over 500 casualties and more than 2,000 captured, along with significant weapon seizures.

Years have passed, and the Houthi movement has only grown stronger. With no guns or cannons, the Saudi-led coalition has come to create them.

Not only did the Saudi-led coalition falter, but divisions 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 the UAE providing support. 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 fell into conflict in 2020.

Thus, the situation in Yemen remains a four-way standoff among the Houthi movement, government forces, the Southern Transitional Council, and Al-Qaeda, with no significant changes in the balance of power.

After years of war, the coalition sees no hope of achieving absolute advantage, and there are even risks of being bombed domestically.

The UAE withdrew all 4,500 troops in October 2019.

Sudan also withdrew 25,000 troops.

On March 29, 2022, the Saudi-led 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 recognition of the Houthis. They agreed to maintain the status quo.

Afterward, 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 1,100; killed 4,253 Sudanese troops and injured 3,700; and killed or injured over 80,000 hostile armed groups in Yemen (including mercenaries and southern troops).

Although there may be some exaggeration, the ability to inflict such significant damage on the Saudi-led 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 are not highly accurate, they demonstrate the Houthi movement's capability for long-range strikes.

The United Nations Security Council's report estimates that the Houthi movement has 75,000 armed personnel, and if including civilian loyalists, the number 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.

Other assessments suggest 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 actively participates in national politics with its anti-American and anti-Israeli image, repeatedly provoking the U.S. and Israel. Although it is a resistance faction supported by Iran, on May 31 and June 1, 2024, it claimed to have attacked U.S. aircraft carriers, marking a significant step in undermining the U.S. as a global hegemon and puncturing the myth of U.S. aircraft carriers.

People may exclaim that even the divine can bleed; once the first drop falls, there will be a second, until the blood runs dry.

This article summarizes the Houthi movement's attacks on the U.S. military and the U.S. response from October 19, 2023, to May 30, 2024, compiled from online sources, with images and videos 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 Houthi movement 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, as a show of 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. Defense Secretary 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, the U.S. mobilized "Operation Neptune Spear," an independent coalition willing to conduct offensive actions to weaken the military capabilities of the Houthi movement. The coalition included the UK, Australia, Bahrain, and the Netherlands. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters on January 25, "This is a multilateral strike and dynamic action by Central Command against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen." The coalition launched over ten airstrikes against Houthi missiles, radar, and storage facilities in January.

On January 11, President Biden stated that "Operation Neptune Spear" demonstrated that the U.S. "will not tolerate attacks against our personnel and will not allow hostile actors to jeopardize freedom of navigation." Biden stated, "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 Eastern war between Israel and Hamas. However, attacks continued, and Houthi leaders claimed that U.S. pressure would not change their actions in the Red Sea, through which about 30% of global commercial shipping passes to reach the Suez Canal.

October 2023

• October 19: The Houthi movement launched three ground-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 one ground-to-ground missile.

November 2023

• November 8: The Houthi movement shot down a U.S. drone, claiming it was an MQ-9 Reaper drone that 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 commercial cargo ship, the "Galaxy Leader," owned by a British company and operated by a Japanese firm, taking 25 crew members hostage. They claimed the ship was linked to Israel and was a "legitimate target." The British company owning the ship had 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 ceased.

January 2024

• January 1: The Iranian warship "Alborz" entered the Red Sea, with its mission unspecified.
• 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 retaliation. 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, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one 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 radar, missile, and drone launch sites, as well as weapons storage facilities in Yemen. This joint operation was dubbed "Operation Neptune Spear."

• January 27: The U.S. struck a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed at 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 claims by the Houthi movement that its militants had 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 shot down four Houthi drones in Yemen, 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, struck 36 Houthi targets at 13 locations in Yemen. The targets included storage facilities, missile launchers, air defense systems, and radar. U.S. Defense Secretary 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 ground-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 ground-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 Al-Hudaydah 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 journey to Iran.
• February 13: U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile that was preparing for launch 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 to hit no 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 journey. On the same day, U.S. forces conducted two strikes against three Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. These missiles were preparing to launch at 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 this missile and unmanned surface vessel 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 and 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 and flying the Greek flag. The M/V Sea Champion sustained minor damage but continued its journey 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 and flying the Marshall Islands flag. The vessel sustained minor damage but continued its journey.

U.S. forces destroyed an attack drone preparing to launch at 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 heading 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 preparing to launch at 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 Houthi attack drones over the Red Sea.

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

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 at vessels in the Red Sea.

• February 23: U.S. forces shot down three Houthi attack drones over the Red Sea. The drones approached several commercial vessels. Subsequently, U.S. forces destroyed seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles preparing to 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 and 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. Defense Secretary 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 harm the economy of the Middle East, cause environmental damage, 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 at vessels in the Red Sea, while the attack drone had already been launched towards 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. This missile was preparing to launch at 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 and 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 over the Red Sea. These weapons targeted the U.S. Navy destroyer 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 and flying the Barbados flag. The missile hit the vessel, resulting in three fatalities 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 belonging to the Houthi movement in Yemen. Additionally, U.S. forces shot down three drones launched towards 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 a Singaporean company, which was sailing in the Gulf of Aden.

• March 9: U.S., UK, and French forces shot down at least 28 Houthi suicide drones launched at 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 U.S. Navy destroyer 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 areas.

• 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 weapon 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 launched by the Houthi movement.

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

• 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 at a U.S. warship in the Red Sea.

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

• March 30: U.S. forces destroyed a drone system in the Red Sea, as well as another drone system 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 an anti-ship missile in Houthi-controlled areas 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 over the Red Sea and destroyed an incoming anti-ship missile.

• April 8: U.S. forces destroyed a surface-to-air missile system in Houthi-controlled areas 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 the British cargo ship "Hope Island," 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 flying the U.S. flag and owned by a U.S. company.

• 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 that posed a threat to vessels in those areas.

• 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 flying the U.S. flag and owned by a U.S. company.

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 and operated by Liberia) and the MV Andromeda Star (a British-owned vessel flying the Panamanian flag and 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 U.S. Navy destroyer USS Philippine Sea and the USS Laboon in the Red Sea.

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

• 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 drones 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 drone, coalition vessels shot down another, and the third drone fell 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 destroyed an incoming anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea. 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 and owned and operated by a Greek company, with an anti-ship ballistic missile. The tanker was en route to China from Russia and sustained damage but was able to continue sailing without 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 an indigenous surface-to-air missile. On May 17, video 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 ground-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. The Houthi movement also launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Red Sea. Three of the missiles struck the M/V Laax, a bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag and owned and operated by a Greek company, but it was able to continue sailing.

Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed