Houthi forces launched a series of intensified attacks on U.S. and allied vessels in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in the region. These attacks, part of the Houthis’ broader strategy to disrupt international shipping, involved missile strikes and drone operations against both commercial and military targets, allegedly in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Notably, the Houthis targeted vessels with Israeli ties and openly threatened to block ships navigating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait en route to Israel. This development prompted the U.S. and its allies to respond with coordinated airstrikes on Houthi military installations and missile sites to curb their capabilities and protect the essential maritime routes in the Red Sea.
Historical Background on Houthi-U.S. Relations
The origins of the Houthis, or Ansar Allah, trace back to the early 1990s in northern Yemen, founded by members of the Zaydi Shia sect. Initially a religious and cultural movement, the Houthis transformed into an armed insurgency in the early 2000s, resisting the Yemeni government over perceived injustices and marginalization of the Zaydi community. Tensions mounted after the Arab Spring in 2011, which eventually led to Yemen’s descent into civil war in 2014-2015.
The U.S. stance toward the Houthis has generally aligned with its support for the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia, one of its principal allies in the region. When the Houthis took control of Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, in 2014, the U.S. backed Saudi-led military intervention aimed at restoring Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The Houthis, perceiving the U.S. as complicit in Saudi airstrikes and blockades that contributed to a devastating humanitarian crisis, began to see the United States as a primary adversary.
In October 2024, tensions in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea escalated significantly, as the Houthi movement—an Iran-aligned rebel faction based in Yemen—targeted U.S. Navy vessels, marking another flashpoint in the ongoing proxy conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies.
Recent missile attacks on U.S. destroyers have spotlighted the Houthi movement’s increasing boldness and capability, raising concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and signaling a potential shift in the group’s posture toward the U.S..
Since early 2021, the Houthis have escalated attacks targeting U.S. assets and interests in the region, with incidents intensifying in recent months. In March 2021, they issued warnings to U.S.-flagged vessels in the Red Sea, and from 2021 to 2022, they frequently attacked Saudi bases that housed U.S. contractors. In late 2023, the Houthis increased drone strikes near UAE areas with a U.S. presence, showing their intent to threaten American interests indirectly.
In July 2024, they attempted a drone strike on a Saudi intelligence facility believed to include U.S. personnel, and by August, they targeted U.S.-allied commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden. Most recently, on October 20, 2024, the Houthis launched missile attacks directly on U.S. Navy destroyers, marking a significant escalation in their campaign against U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict.
Recent Attacks and Countermeasures
The recent wave of aggression came as the Houthis, aligned with Iran, declared they would oppose any ship with a connection to Israel in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Using drones and missile strikes, the Houthis specifically targeted commercial ships linked to Israeli interests, underscoring their intent to disrupt maritime trade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a vital chokepoint for global oil and goods transit.
The Houthis reportedly seized at least one Israel-linked vessel, holding its non-Israeli crew in Yemen’s Hodeida port, while another two ships were damaged in nearby waters. Their announcement was followed by direct missile and drone attacks, including an assault that successfully brought down a U.S. surveillance drone patrolling the area.
The attacks compelled the U.S. Navy to bolster its defensive posture in the region, collaborating with allies like France to intercept Houthi missiles and drones aimed at commercial traffic.
The Biden administration is facing pressure to respond decisively, balancing its commitment to protecting international shipping lanes against concerns about escalating the conflict amid the broader Middle East tensions. Israeli leaders have urged the U.S. to consider stronger military responses, while Saudi Arabia has cautioned restraint to avoid destabilizing ongoing peace negotiations with the Houthis.
The November attacks reflect a dramatic increase in Houthi hostilities and a strategic move to leverage regional chaos, directly challenging U.S. influence and putting international security in the Red Sea at risk.
In response, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) bolstered its naval presence in the area and initiated patrols with allied navies to secure the maritime routes. This region is crucial for global oil shipments, and disruption here would have substantial economic repercussions.
Houthis’ Military Capabilities and U.S. Response
The Houthis have leveraged Iranian expertise to develop a formidable arsenal, including precision-guided missiles, suicide drones, and sophisticated radar-jamming technology. Their recent attacks signal not just tactical ingenuity but also confidence in their ability to counteract U.S. and Saudi measures, although it is widely understood that Iran, as the Houthis’ principal backer, has played a central role in elevating their combat capabilities.
In light of these attacks, the U.S. has been forced to reassess its posture in the region. Enhanced intelligence-sharing with Saudi Arabia and additional sanctions on Houthi commanders have been considered as deterrent measures. The U.S. may also deploy additional assets to monitor Houthi-controlled airspace and intercept weapon shipments.
The evolving situation underscores the complexities of U.S.-Houthi relations, where direct military action is often met with diplomatic caution. The Houthis’ capacity to affect key maritime passages not only threatens U.S. interests but also brings into question the efficacy of existing security frameworks in the region.
With international trade and energy security at stake, the international community faces the challenge of managing a conflict that is no longer confined to Yemen but has now spilled over into the broader strategic landscape of the Red Sea and beyond. The future of these maritime routes and U.S. engagement in the region will likely depend on a delicate balancing act between military readiness and diplomatic negotiations.
