Following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas in southern Israel, Houthi forces in Yemen have targeted merchant shipping in both the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Houthi leadership has said the group is attacking any ship that stops at an Israeli port or has ties to the country. Following coordinated strikes by the U.S. and the United Kingdom, Houthi leadership added American and British ships to its potential targets.
The Pentagon has said the Houthis are targeting ships from a variety of nations and not just those with connections to Israel. U.S. Military leaders have said the conflict has not spread throughout the Middle East, despite Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea stemming back to Oct. 19, and attacks on U.S. coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. One of the most recent attacks killed three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder previously told reporters the strikes against Houthi targets are meant to downgrade Houthi capabilities, not entirely eliminate them.
“Certainly everyone would like to see the Houthis stop these attacks and we will continue to call on them to stop immediately,” Ryder said. “But if they don’t, we will continue to take appropriate actions to not only defend international shipping and mariners transiting the Red Sea, but also continuing to degrade and disrupt their capabilities.”
Below is a complete timeline of actions in the Red Sea since Oct. 19, when the Houthis first launched drones and missiles. This timeline will be updated.
2024
June 30
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy three Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea. Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e shares a video on X that he claims shows videos of a Houthi boat attacking commercial ship Transworld Navigator on June 23.
https://x.com/army21ye/status/1807394780680225018
June 28
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare’e takes to social media site X to share a part of a speech that appears to mock the U.S.
“Everyone knows how fear pervades any country when America threatens it by sending its aircraft carriers, but the Yemeni exception dazzles everyone who contemplates the greatness of what absolute trust in God does in an army, a people, and a leader in the face of an American threat to send another aircraft carrier after the first (Eisenhower) escaped from their strikes,” he wrote on X.
The Houthis also claim to have targeted oil tanker Waler and Johannes Maersk in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as chemical tanker Delonix and Ioannis in the Red Sea.
Waler sails under the flag of Panama. It is unclear if the Houthis attack was successful, but the ship is able to continue its journey.
Johannes Maersk left Port Said, Egypt, on June 27, putting the ship in the Med when the Houthis claimed to attack it. While it is unclear if the ship was attacked, it is able to continue its journey, according to Maersk’s vessel schedules.
Sare’e claims Delonix is an American ship. It sails under a Liberia flag. Delonix‘s master reports five missiles landed near the ship but did not damage it, according to the UK Maritime Trade Organization. The ship continues its journey.
Central Command does not mention Delonix in its release. Unidentified CENTCOM forces destroy seven uncrewed aerial vehicles and a ground control station vehicle in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
June 27
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down an uncrewed aerial system over the Red Sea.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare’e claims on social media site X that the Houtis targeted bulk carrier Seajoy, which sails under a Malta flag. The ship is operated by Greek company Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd., which lists the ship’s owner as Chinese company Sage Shipping.
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations receives a report of an attack on a vessel off the coach of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, involving a waterborne improvised explosive device. The crew reports that the vessel is safe and proceeding with its journey. The UKMTO report does not specify the ship involved.
June 26
The Houthis claim to target MSC Manzanillo, which the Yemen group says is Israeli. MSC is a Swiss company. MSC lists Manzanillo as arriving in Haifa, with the Houthis claiming to hit it in port.
Central Command forces destroy a Houthi radar site in Yemen.
June 25
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e claims the Houthis used a new ballistic missile to target MSC Sarah V, which the Houthis allege to be an Israeli ship. Sare’e first says the missile is ballistic but then claims it to be a locally made hyeprsonic missile. MSC, a Swiss company, lists the ship as transiting between the Cristobal port in Panama and the port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The ship should arrive in Abu Dhabi on June 28.
June 23
The Houthis strike MV Transworld Navigator, a Greek-owned and -operated bulk cargo carrier with sailing under a Liberia flag. The crew reports moderate damage and minor injuries, but the ship is able to continue its voyage. Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e says on social media site X that the Houthis hit the ship in the Arabian Sea on June 22 and again on June 23, this time in the Red Sea.
Central Command reports it is the fourth attack against the ship. It is the first time Central Command has announced attacks on the ship.
Sare’e also claims the Houthis targeted Stolt-Nielson-owned Stolt Sequoia in the Indian Ocean.
June 22
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the Houthis hit USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Ike departs the Red Sea to head to its homeport, USNI News reports. Ike and Central Command do not report any damage to the aircraft carrier. The Houthis also claim to target four ships in Haifa, Israel, and livestock carrier Shorthorn Express, which is owned by Netherlands company Vroon.
“Recent claims about a successful attack by Houthi forces on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) are categorically false,” CENTCOM says in a release.
CENTCOM forces, not identified in the release, also destroy three Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis launch three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden but no ships report damage.
June 20
Central Command forces shoot down two Houthi drones and destroy four Houthi uncrewed surface vessels.
June 19
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e shares a video on social media site that allegedly shows MV Tutor sinking. “And what’s coming is greater.. And we have more..” Sare’e posts.
Central Command forces destroy two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea, as well as one ground control station and one command and control node in Yemen.
June 18
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy eight Houthi drones in Yemen. Partner forces, not identified by CENTCOM, shoot down an uncrewed aerial vehicle over the Gulf of Aden.
June 17
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy four Houthi radars and an uncrewed surface vessel in Yemen. They also shoot down a Houthi drone over the Red Sea.
June 16
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e announces via social media site X that the Houthis targeted an American destroyer, but Sare’e does not say which one. Central Command does not issue a release.
The Houthis also say they targeted ships Captain Paris and Happy Condor. Captain Paris sails under a Malta flag and is listed as part of the Latsco Shipping Limited fleet. Happy Condor, which the Houthis say they targeted in the Arabian Sea using drones, sails under the flag of Denmark and is listed as part of BW Group’s fleet.
June 15
Despite initial reports that the crew of MV Verbena extinguished fires aboard the ship, the crew abandons ship after they cannot put out the flames with MV Anna Meta rendering assistance.
The crew of MV Tutor also evacuate the sinking ship with sailors from Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group airlifting the crew. One civilian mariner remains missing.
June 14
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea and shoot down one Houthi drone over the Red Sea.
CENTCOM forces also destroy seven Houthi radars.
June 13
The Houthis strike MV Verbena, a Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier sailing under a Palauan flag with two anti-ship cruise missiles as the ship sailed to Italy. The Houthis strike the ship a second time with an anti-ship ballistic missile later in the day.
The strike causes fires to break out on the ship with one civilian mariner severely injured. Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) evacuate the mariner to an unidentified partner ship for medical attention.
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e says in a speech that the Houthis also targeted ships SeaGuardian and Athina in the Red Sea and hit both of the ships. Greek company Thenamaris lists Athina as part of its fleet. CENTCOM does not include any information on the two ships in its release.
The Houthis also launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea, but no ships report damage. Central Command forces shoot down a Houthi drone over the Red Sea and destroy two patrol boats and one uncrewed surface vessel in the Red Sea.
June 12
A Houthi unmanned surface vessel strikes MV Tutor, which sails under a Liberian flag. The strike causes severe flooding and damage to the ship’s engine room.
On social media site X, Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e says the Yemen-based group targeted the ship because it violated the Houthi ban on entering Israeli ports.
The Houthis also launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, but no ships report damage.
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy three Houthi anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Yemen and shoot down one drone over the Red Sea.
June 11
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy two Houthi anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Yemen.
June 10
Unidentified partner forces shoot down a Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden.
June 9
The Houthis launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles, one of which strikes MSC Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged container ship owned and operated by MSC, a Swiss company. An unidentified coalition partner shoots down the other anti-ship ballistic missile. Tavvishi reports damage but is able to continue its journey.
The Houthis also launch one anti-ship ballistic missile and one anti-ship cruise missile into the Gulf of Aden with both missiles striking MV Norderney, which sails under the flag of Antigua and Barbados. Sunship Schiffahrtskontor KG, a company under Reederei M. Lauterjung Shipping Group, lists the ship as part of its fleet. The ship reports damage but is able to continue.
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down a Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden and destroy two land attack cruise missiles and a missile launcher in Yemen.
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the Houthis targeted British destroyer HMS Diamond in the Red Sea. The U.K. Ministry of Defence does not reference any Houthi attacks on its social media.
June 7
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e takes to social media X to say the Yemen-based group attacked ships Elbella and Aal Genoa in the Red Sea. Aal Genoa is managed by Singaporean company AAL.
The Houthis launch four anti-ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, according to Central Command, which notes that no ships report damage or injuries. Unidentified CENTCOM forces destroy four Houthi unmanned aerial systems and two anti-ship ballistic missiles in Yemen, as well as shoot down a drone over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
CENTCOM forces also destroy a Houthi patrol boat in the Red Sea.
June 6
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down eight Houthi drones over the Red Sea. CENTCOM also destroys two uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea.
A coalition ship also shoots down one drone over the Red Sea, but the release does not say which coalition partner.
The Houthis launch one anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea, but no ships report damage or injuries.
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e posts a video on social media site X of a Houthi leader saying USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) will remain a target for the Yemen-based group.
Sare’e also claims on X that the Houthis, along with the Iraqi Islamic Resistance, targeted ships carrying military equipment to Haifa, Israel. The post does not name the ships.
June 5
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the Houthis targeted ships Roza and Vantage Dream in the Red Sea and Maersk Seletar in the Arabian Sea. Vantage Dream is managed by Vantage Shipping Lines S.A., a Greek company. It sails under a Liberian flag.
Maersk Seletar spends most of its evening in port in Salalah, Oman, according to Maersk’s schedule. The ship sails under an American flag.
June 4
The Houthis launch two anti-ship ballisitic missiles into the Red Sea. No ships report damage.
June 2
Central Command says its forces shot down a drone over the southern Red Sea in self-defense, but it does not identify which forces are involved.
June 1
Between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. local time, unidentified Central Command forces shoot down one Houthi drone over the southern Red Sea. The Houthis launch two additional drones, which crash into the Red Sea.
Between 7-11:30 p.m., CENTCOM forces, also not identified in the release, shoot down two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles over the southern Red Sea. The two missiles are fired toward USS Gravely (DDG-107). Gravely does not report any damage or injuries.
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e claims on social media site X that the Houthis use drones to attack an American destroyer, likely Gravely, and that the ship is hit. The Houthis also claim to target USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) for a second time in two days.
Additionally, Sare’e says that the Houthis targeted cargo ship Maina, tanker LNG Al Oraiq and tanker Abliani. LNG Al Oraiq is managed by British company K Line LNG Shipping LTD., and sails under a Marshall Islands flag. Abliani is managed by Greek company Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, which lists the ship’s ownership as Fortune Marine Limited.
May 31
The Houthis launch a drone, which crashes into the Red Sea around 1:30 a.m. local time.
Between 2:50 a.m. and 10:59 p.m. local time, unidentified Central Command forces shoot down one Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden and three over the Red Sea.
Around 9:30 p.m. local time, the Houthis launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Gulf of Aden, but no injuries or damage are reported.
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e says on social media site X that the Houthis targeted USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in retaliation for strikes on Yemen. However, a defense official tells USNI News that there are no indications that Ike was targeted by the Houthis.
May 30
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down eight Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea between 3:15 and 5 p.m. local time. CENTCOM and the United Kingdom Armed Forces also strike 13 Houthi targets in Yemen.
May 28
The Houthis fire five anti-ship ballistic missiles at MV Laax between 12:05-1:40 p.m. local time. Three of the missiles strike the bulk carrier, which is Greek-owned and -operated and sailing under a Marshall Islands flag. No injuries are reported, and the ship continues its journey.
Between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces shoot down five Houthi drones over the Red Sea.
May 27
Central Command forces, not identified in the release, shoot down one Houthi uncrewed aerial system over the Red Sea around 4 a.m. local time.
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the Houthis target oil tanker Largo Desert and MSC Michela in the Indian Ocean and tanker Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea. While the Houthis claim they targeted MSC Michela, which Sare’e wrote as Mechela in his post, it is likely that Sare’e meant MSC Michaela. MSC Michela is sailing between Spain and Brazil, according to MSC’s schedule, while Michaela is sailing between the port of Durban, South Africa, and Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Sare’e says the Houthis targeted Largo Desert and Michaela because of their American and Israeli connections, while the group targeted Minerva Lisa because it was sailing to Israel.
May 26
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down a Houthi drone over the Red Sea around 10 a.m. local time.
May 25
The Houthis launch two anti-ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea around 3:50 a.m. local time. No damages or injuries are reported by commercial, coalition or U.S. ships.
May 24
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the Houthis targeted ships MSC Alexandria, commercial ship Yannis and tanker Essex.
Sare’e says in his post that MSC Alexandria is an Israeli ship that the group targeted while it sailed in the Arabian Sea. MSC’s schedule places Alexandria on its journey from Valencia, Spain, to Abu Dhabi, UAE, on May 24. Alexandria sails under a Panama flag.
The Houthis attack on Yannis is part of its escalation in the Red Sea, the groups says.
Sare’e says in his post that the Houthis targeted Essex while it was in the Mediterranean Sea. According to Reuters, the ship was in Egyptian waters at the time the Houthis allegedly targeted the ship. Essex is managed by Zodiac Maritime, which Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer controls.
MV Yannis is managed by Greek company Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, which lists the ship’s owner as Avalon Maritime Limited.
May 23
The Houthis launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea around 7:30 a.m. local time. No damages or injuries are reported by ships.
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy one Houthi land attack cruise missile in Yemen around 8:10 p.m. local time.
May 22
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy four Houthi uncrewed aerial systems in Yemen at 3:16 p.m. local time.
May 21
The Houthis claim to shoot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper. Central Command tells USNI News it is aware of reports but did not have more information.
May 18
The Houthis strike M/T Wind, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned and -operated oil tanker around 1 a.m. local time in the Red Sea. Wind is traveling from Russia to China.
The oil tanker floods as a result of the attack and loses propulsion and steering. A coalition ship, not named in the Central Command release, responds to its distress call, but Wind no longer needs assistance. It is able to continue on its course after restoring propulsion and steering.
Around 9:35 p.m. local time, the Houthis launch an anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden.
May 15
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the launched weapons against U.S. destroyer “Maysun,” likely referencing USS Mason (DDG-87). While Central Command does not release anything on Mason on May 15, on May 13, the destroyer shot down a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile.
Sare’e also claims the Houthis attacked bulk carrier Destiny, which flies under a Liberian flag.
May 13
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy a Houthi uncrewed aerial system in Yemen around 3:40 p.m. local time.
Between 5:51-6:02 p.m., USS Mason (DDG-87) shoots down one anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea. Other unidentified Central Command forces also destroy a Houthi drone over the Red Sea.
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy four Houthi uncrewed aerial systems in Yemen around 9 p.m. local time.
May 12
Around 3;30 a.m. local time, unidentified Central Command forces shoot down a Houthi uncrewed aerial system over the Gulf of Aden.
Between 4:30-4:45 a.m. local time, unidentified Central Command forces shoot down three Houthi unmanned aerial systems over the Red Sea.
May 11
The Houthis launch an uncrewed aerial system over the Gulf of Aden around 8:45 p.m. local time. An unidentified coalition aircraft shoots down the UAS.
May 9
Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site that the Houthis targeted ships MSC Diego and MSC Gina in the Gulf of Aden, which the Houthis say are Israeli. The spokesman also says the Houthis targeted and hit MSC Vittoria, first in the Indian Ocean and then in the Arabian Sea. U.S. Central Command does not put out a release.
According to MSC’s schedule, Diego was in port in Dijbouti between May 7-10, Gina was in transit between Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Djibouti, and Vittoria recently departed from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
May 7
Around 5 a.m. local time, the Houthis launch an anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden. No injuries or damage are reported.
May 6
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down one drone over the Red Sea around 10:45 a.m. local time.
A coalition ship and Central Command forces each shoot down one drone over the Gulf of Aden between 11-1:48 p.m. local time. Central Command does not identify the ship or the forces in its release. A third uncrewed aerial system crashes into the Gulf of Aden.
May 3
The Houthis threaten to attack ships belonging to companies that engage with Israel if the Israeli government goes through with its Rafah operation. The Houthis also threaten to hit ships in the Eastern Mediterranean.
May 2
Central Command forces, not identified in the release, destroy three uncrewed aerial systems in Yemen.
April 30
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy an unmanned surface vessel in Yemen around 2 p.m. local time.
April 29
Unidentified U.S. Central Command forces shoot down a Houthi drone headed toward USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) and USS Laboon (DDG-58) in the Red Sea.
The Houthis fire three anti-ship ballistic missiles and three drones toward MV Cyclades in the Red Sea. Cyclades sails under a Malta flag and is Greek-owned. The vessel continues its journey.
The Houthis also claim to attack MSC Orion, which Houthi leader Yahya Sare’e says in the Indian Ocean, according to a post on social media site X. However, MSC lists the ship at Salalah, Oman, from 6 p.m. on April 28 to 6 p.m. April 29.
April 28
Between 1:48-2:27 a.m., Central Command forces, not identified in the release, shoot down five drones over the Red Sea.
April 26
The Houthis launch three anti-ship missiles toward MV Maisha and MV Andromeda Star in the Red Sea. Maisha sails under a Antiqua/Barbados flag and is operated by a Liberian company, while Andromeda Star is UK-owned, Seychelles-operated and sails under a Panama flag. Andromeda Star reports minor damage but is able to continue.
April 25
Greek frigate Hydra shoots down a drone over the Gulf of Aden, according to the European Union.
On 25 Apr 24, 🇬🇷Frigate “HYDRA”, providing protection to a MV in the GoA, engaged 2 UAVs posing an imminent threat to the freedom of navigation. 1st UAV was shot down, while 2nd changed its course. The action was effective in avoiding any damage to seafarers & merchant shipping. pic.twitter.com/yfmjNbR9ud
— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) April 25, 2024
The Houthis also fire one anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden in the morning.
Between 12:19-4:17 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces destroy one unmanned surface vessel and one unmanned aerial vehicle.
The Houthis claim to target MSC Darwin VI, which the groups say is Israeli, in a post on social media site X. The ship sails under a Liberian flag and is owned by Swiss company MSC, which lists the ship between Aden, Yemen, and Djibouti during the alleged attack. The Central Command release does not include an attack on Darwin.
The Houthis also claim to shoot down an American MQ-9 Reaper, although there is no mention in the CENTCOM release.
April 24
Around 11:50 a.m. local time, a coalition vessel shoots down a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile likely targeting MV Maersk Yorktown over the Gulf of Aden.
This is the second time the Houthis have targeted Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned and operated vessel.
Between noon and 1:30 p.m., unidentified U.S. Central Command forces destroy four drones in Yemen.
April 16
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy two unmanned aerial vehicles in Yemen between 10:50-11:30 a.m. local time.
April 14
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy four drones in Yemen.
April 13
The Houthis launch one anti-ship ballistic missile toward the Gulf of Aden. No ships report injuries or damage.
April 11
Around 1 p.m. local time, unidentified Central Command forces shoot down one Houthi-launched anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea. No ships report damages or injuries.
April 10
Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down three unmanned aerial vehicles – two over the Gulf of Aden and one over the Red Sea – between 4:15-6 a.m. local time.
Around 8 p.m. local time, CENTCOM forces, also not identified, destroy eight drones in Yemen.
April 9
USS Mason (DDG-87), along with other unidentified Central Command forces, shoot down a Houthi-launched anti-ship ballistic over the Gulf of Aden. The missile likely targets MV Maersk Yorktown, a U.S.-owned and operated ship. USS Laboon (DDG-58) and Mason were escorting the ship at the time.
April 8
Around 8 a.m., local time, the Houthis launch an anti-ship ballistic missile toward the Gulf of Aden. At the time, an unidentified coalition ship was escorting MV Hope Island, a commercial ship sailing under a Marshall Islands flag and is owned by the United Kingdom, while operated by an Italian company. It is unclear where the drone lands.
From 12:15-2:40 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces destroy a Houthi air defense system that had two missiles ready to launch in Yemen, as well as shoot down one Houthi-launched drone.
April 6
Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces destroy one Houthi mobile surface-to-air missile system in Yemen, while other CENTCOM forces shoot down a drone over the Red Sea.
Around 6 p.m., a coalition vessel, not identified by CENTCOM, shoots down an anti-ship missile.
April 4
Central Command forces, not identified in the release, destroy an anti-ship missile in Yemen around 2:20 p.m. local time.
April 3
USS Gravely and other unidentified Central Command forces shoot down an anti-ship ballistic missile and two unmanned aerial systems launched by the Houthis toward the U.S. warship between 3:49-10 a.m. local time. The ship does not report any injuries or damage.
During the same timeframe, unidentified CENTCOM forces destroy a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Yemen.
April 1
Central Command forces, unidentified in the release, destroy a Houthi unmanned surface vessel around 9 a.m. local time.
March 30
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy two unmanned aerial systems in Yemen at 8:30 a.m. local time. Forces destroy one of the UAS over the Red Sea and the other on the ground.
March 28
U.S. Central Command shoots down four Houthi unmanned aerial systems over the Red Sea. The unmanned aerial systems were launched at a coalition vessel and U.S. warship. The release does not say which ships were targeted or which forces were involved.
March 27
Between 2-2:20 a.m. U.S. Central Command shoot down four long-range unmanned aerial systems launched by the Houthis that were aimed at a U.S. warship. The release does not say which forces were involved.
March 23
Between 2:50-4:30 a.m., the Houthis launch five anti-ship ballistics missiles into the Red Sea toward MV Huang Pu, a Panamanian-flagged, Chinese-owned and -operated oil tanker.
Huang Pu puts out a distress call but does not request assistance. A fire breaks out aboard the ship but the crew extinguishes it. The ship continues on its journey despite suffering minimal damage.
Approximately two hours later, USS Carney (DDG-64) and other unnamed U.S. forces track six Houthi drones over the Red Sea. Five of the drones crash into the Red Sea, while the sixth flies into Yemen.
March 22
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy four drones in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The forces also strike three Houthi underground storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
The Houthis also fire four anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea. No ships in the water report injuries or damage.
Central Command forces, not identified in the release, strike three Houthi underground storage facilities.
March 21
Between 8:50-11:40 a.m. local time, coalition aircraft destroy an unmanned surface vessel launched by the Houthis. Coalition forces also shoot down Houthi-launched anti-ship ballistic missiles. The Central Command release does not identify the forces involved.
March 20
Unidentified coalition aircraft shoot down one drone, while Central Command forces, also not identified, destroy an unmanned surface vessel. There is no damage to U.S. or coalition ships.
March 18
Between 1-7:40 p.m. local time, U.S. Central Command forces, not identified in the release, destroy seven anti-sip missiles, three unmanned aerial vehicles and three Houthi weapons storage containers in Yemen.
March 16
Between 7:50-8:15 a.m., the Houthis launch two drones toward the Red Sea. Unidentified Central Command forces shoot down one of the drones while the other likely crashes into the Red Sea.
Between 9-10:30 p.m., unidentified CENTCOM forces destroy five unmanned surface vessels and one drone in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
March 15
The Houthis fire three anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea between 8:30-10:50 p.m.. The missiles do not hit any ships.
March 14
Between 6:50 a.m. March 14 and 12:40 a.m. March 15, local time, the Houthis fire two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Gulf of Aden and two toward the Red Sea. The missiles do not hit any U.S. or coalition ships.
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy nine anti-ship missiles and two drones in Houthi-controlled territories of Yemen.
March 13
The Houthis fire one anti-ship ballistic missile, but it does not hit any ships. Central Command forces, not identified in the release, engage and destroy four drones and one surface-to-air missile. It is unclear from CENTCOM’s release if the weapons were shot down or destroyed in a strike.
March 12
The Houthis fire one close-range ballistic missile toward USS Laboon (DDG-58) between 2-4:30 a.m. although the missile does not hit the warship. In the same time period, Central Command forces shoot down two drones launched by the Houthis, but the release does not identify what forces were involved.
March 11
Between 8:50 a.m. through 12:50 p.m. local time, the Houthis fire two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward MV Pinocchio, a Singaporean-owned, Liberian-flagged ship. Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e says on social media site X the Houthis targeted the ship because it was American.
Reuters reports the ship is owned by OM-MAR 5 INC, a Singaporean company.
Central Command forces strike an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen between 2:50-11:30 p.m. local time. The CENTCOM release does not identify what forces are involved.
March 9
Between 4-8:20 a.m. local time, U.S. Navy aircraft and ships, with the assistance of coalition ships and aircraft, shoot down at least 28 unmanned aerial vehicles over the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Central Command release does not identify which Navy ships were involved.
March 7
Between 3:35-4:55 p.m. local time, Central Command forces strike four Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one unmanned aerial vehicle. CENTCOM forces also shoot down three drones launched by the Houthis toward the Gulf of Aden. Central Command does not identify the forces in its release.
March 6
Three merchant sailors die after a Houthi-launched anti-ship ballistic missile hits MV True Confidence, a Liberian-owned bulk carrier sailing under a Barbados flag, USNI News reports.
The anti-ship ballistic missile causes a fire to break out on the ship, leaving four other sailors injured. The crew abandons the ship. This is the first time there have been fatalities from a Houthi-launched drone or missile.
Unidentified Central Command forces strike two unmanned aerial vehicles in Yemen at 7:14 p.m. local time.
March 5
Between 3 and 5 p.m. local time, U.S. Central Command forces shoot down one anti-ship ballistic missile and three unmanned aerial systems that the Houthis launch toward USS Carney (DDG-64) in the Red Sea. It’s unclear whether Carney shoots down the missile and drones. Carney does not have any damage.
Between 8:45 and 9:40 p.m., Central Command forces destroy thee anti-ship missiles and three unmanned surface vessels.
March 4
Around 2:15 a.m. local time, the Houthis fire an anti-ship ballistic missile into the southern Red Sea. It does not hit any ships.
Between 3:50 and 4:15 p.m., the Houthis fire two more anti-ship ballistic missiles, this time targeting MV MSC Sky II in the Gulf of Aden. According to MSC’s website, MSC Sky II departed from Singapore on Feb. 22 and is heading to Djibouti.
MSC is a Swiss company and the cargo ship sails under a Liberian flag. One of the missiles hits MSC Sky II, causing a small fire, Reuters reports.
The ship’s crew extinguishes the fire and continues sailing.
At 8 p.m., unidentified CENTCOM forces strike two anti-ship cruise missiles that were preparing to launch toward the Red Sea, according to the news release.
March 2
MV Rubymar, a British-owned cargo ship, sinks into the Red Sea after a Houthi missile strikes the vessel on Feb. 18. It’s unclear whether the ship’s cargo of fertilizer has any lasting effects on the body of water.
Rubymar is the first ship to sink due to the ongoing Houthi attacks.
March 1
Around 12:40 p.m. local time, Central Command forces strike one Houthi surface-to-air missile prepare to launch toward the Red Sea. The news release does not identify the forces involved.
At 10:46 p.m., the Houthis launch an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Red Sea. It does not strike any ships.
Feb. 29
Central Command forces strike six anti-ship cruise missiles that were ready to launch toward the Red Sea, according to a news release. CENTCOM does not identify the forces involved.
CENTCOM forces also shoot down a drone over the southern Red Sea.
Feb. 27
U.S. aircraft and an unidentified coalition warship shoot down five Houthi drones over the Red Sea between 9:50 and 10:55 p.m. local time.
Feb. 26
Unidentified Central Command forces destroy three unmanned surface vessels, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one drone. The drone is over the Red Sea when CENTCOM forces shoot it down.
Feb. 24
USS Mason (DDG-87) shoots down one anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden. Central Command says in a release that the missile was likely targeting U.S.-flagged MV Torm Thor. Danish company Torm lists Torm Thor as part of its fleet, but Central Command says the ship is both owned and operated by the U.S.
Reuters reports that the ship is part of the U.S. Tanker Security Program.
There are no injuries or damage to Mason nor Torm Thor.
Around 9 p.m. local time, unidentified Central Command forces shoot down two drones over the southern Red Sea. A third drone crashes from an in-flight failure.
At 11:45 p.m., the Houthis launch another anti-ship ballistic missile, likely at Torm Thor.
The U.S. and United Kingdom conduct the third set of joint strikes, hitting 18 Houthi targets around 11:50 p.m., USNI News reports. The strikes are in retaliation for the Houthi attacks on British and American ships.
While CENTCOM does not list what U.S. assets were involved in the strikes, it puts out a video of F/A-18 Super Hornets launching from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).
Feb. 23
Central Command forces, not identified in the release, shoot down three Houthi one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles, which were flying near commercial ships in the Red Sea, between 3:30 and 5 a.m.
Later, between 12:30 and 7:15 p.m., Central Command forces destroy seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles. The Central Command release does not identify the forces.
Feb. 22
Between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., U.S. aircraft and an unidentified coalition warship shoot down six one-way attack drones in the Red Sea. Central Command says the drones were likely targeting U.S. and coalition warships.
Three hours later, the Houthis fire two anti-ship ballistic missiles, which hit MV Islander, a United Kingdom-owned cargo carrier sailing under a Palau flag. The strike causes one minor injury among the ship’s crew and minor damage, according to the Central Command release. The ship continues its journey.
Around 5 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces strike four Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles and two anti-ship cruise missiles, according to a CENTCOM news release.
Feb. 21
Between midnight and 6:45 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces strike seven Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile. CENTCOM forces also shoot down one unmanned aircraft system.
The U.S. State Department releases a statement condemning the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Feb. 20
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sare’e posts on social media site X that the Houthis launched an operation against MSC Silver with naval missiles. MSC lists MSC Silver II on its site, with the ship leaving Berbera, Somaliland, on Feb. 20.
MSC is a Swiss company, but it often works with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., an Israeli shipping service, and MSC ships stop at Israeli ports, Reuters reports. The Houthis claim Silver II is an Israeli ship.
Feb. 19
Between 12:30-1:50 p.m., the Houthis fire two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward MV Sea Champion, a grain carrier owned by New York-based MKM Chartering, USNI News reports. Sea Champion sails under a Greek flag. The ship receives minor damage and is able to continue sailing to deliver grain to Aden, Yemen.
At 7:20 p.m., the Houthis launch a drone at U.S.-owned MV Navis Fortuna, which sails under a Marshall Islands flag. The drone causes minor damage, and the ship is able to continue toward Italy.
The Houthis also launch an anti-ship ballistic missile around 6:40 p.m., but it does not hit any ships.
Central Command forces, which are not identified in the command’s release, destroy a surface-to-air missile launcher.
Feb. 18
Houthis launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles at MV Rubymar, a British-owned bulk carrier sailing under a Belize flag. One of the missiles hits Rubymar, damaging the ship. Another merchant ship responding to Rubymar‘s call for assistance takes the crew to a nearby port, USNI News reports.
Rubymar, which carries fertlizer, takes on water from the damage.
Feb. 17
Between 3-8 p.m., unidentified Central Command forces strike three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel and one unmanned surface vessel, according to a CentCom release. The strike is the first time Central Command has seen a Houthi UUV.
Feb. 16
The Houthis fire four anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea, with at least three aiming for M/T Pollux, a Denmark-owned commercial vessel sailing under a Panama flag, according to Central Command. The ship is not damaged.
In a statement, Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e confirms that the Houthis targeted the ship, saying that it was a British ship, Reuters reports.
Unidentified Central Command forces strike a mobile anti-ship cruise missile and a unmanned surface vessel in two strikes, according to the Central Command release.
Feb. 15
Between 3:10-8 p.m., Central Command forces strike three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles prepared to launch. The Central Command release does not identify what forces are involved.
Around 4:20 p.m., the Houthis launch an anti-ship ballistic missile toward MV Lycavitos, a United Kingdom-owned and operated bulk carrier sailing under a Barbados flag. Helikon Shipping lists Lycavitos as part of its fleet on its website.
Feb. 14
Unidentified Central Command forces strike seven anti-ship cruise missiles, three unmannned aerial vehicles and one explosive unmanned surface vessel. The forces made four strikes between 1-7:30 p.m. local time to take out the munitions, according to a Central Command release.
Feb. 13
Central Command forces – not identified in the release – strike a anti-ship cruise missile in Yemen around 2:35 p.m. local time.
About seven hours later, the Houthis launch an anti-ship ballistic missile that Navy ships track but determine does not pose a threat.
Feb. 12
The Houthis fire two missiles at MV Star Iris, a cargo ship sailing under the Marshall Islands flag and owned by Greek company Star Bulk. The ship carries corn from Brazil, according to a Central Command release.
The release does not say if both missiles hit the ship, but the ship sustains minor damage but continues its journey. The ship is sailing toward Bandar Iman Khomeini, Iran, according to CentCom.
The attack comes a day after Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam takes to social media site X to praise Iran’s leadership.
“Thanks to exceptional leadership, Iran has continued the revolution’s progress and effective presence, making Palestine its primary cause by supporting the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance movements in the face of… The Israeli occupation, and that is the most eloquent meaning of Islamic and humanitarian commitment,” Abdulsalam says in his post.
Feb. 10
Between 4 to 5 p.m. local time, unidentified U.S. Central Command forces strike two unmanned surface vessels and three anti-ship cruise missiles located north of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, according to a Central Command release.
Feb. 9
U.S. Central Command forces strike two unmanned surface vessels, four anti-ship cruise missiles and one land attack cruise missile over the course of the day, according to a Central Command release.
Feb. 8
Over the course of the day, Central Command forces strike four Houthi unmanned surface vessels and seven anti-ship cruise missiles. Central Command does not identify what forces conduct the strikes in its news release.
Feb. 7
Central Command forces strike two Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles around 9 p.m. local time. About two and a half hours later, Central Command forces strike a Houthi land attack cruise missile. In both cases, Central Command says the missiles were prepared to launch.
Feb. 6
Houthis fire six anti-ship ballistic missiles, likely targeting Greek-owned bulk carrier Star Nasia, sailing under a Marshall Islands flag, and MV Morning Tide, a British-owned Barbados-flag cargo ship. One of the missiles hits Star Nasia, causing minimal damage and no crew injuries. USS Laboon (DDG-58) shoots down another missile. The other four land in the water.
Feb. 5
U.S. Central Command strikes two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles around 3:30 p.m. local time, according to a news release from the combatant command.
Feb. 4
U.S. Central Command strikes a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile ready to launch, according to a news release from the combatant command.
Feb. 3
At around 7:20 p.m. local time, U.S. Central Command forces strike six Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles that the U.S. says are prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
At around 11 p.m. local time, USS Carney (DDG-64) and USS Gravely (DDG-107), along with F/A18-E/F Super Hornets attached to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, strike 13 locations in Yemen as part of a multi-national effort late Saturday night local time, USNI News reports.
Video of launches from USS GRAVELY, USS CARNEY, and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER supporting strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi targets pic.twitter.com/EMSkDANoeF
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 4, 2024
The two destroyers use an unspecified amount of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, while the fighter jets use Joint Direct Attack Munition.
The United Kingdom joins with the U.S. to conduct the strikes with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Feb. 2
U.S. Central Command forces conduct airstrikes on 85 targets in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Forces and other Iranian-backed militia groups at around 4 p.m. local time. The U.S. sends B-1 and B-2 bombers from the continental U.S., as well as fighter aircraft from Central Command, to conduct the strikes.
The strikes, which use more than 125 precise munitions, target command and control centers, storage facilities, munition and intelligence centers, according to the combatant command. The attacks come after the killing of three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers in an attack in Jordan.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups continue to represent a direct threat to the stability of Iraq, the region, and the safety of Americans. We will continue to take action, do whatever is necessary to protect our people, and… pic.twitter.com/Y53nvRfjjx
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 3, 2024
Earlier in the day, USS Carney (DDG-64) shoots down one unmanned aerial vehicle over the Gulf of Aden.
Shortly after the U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria, Central Command forces strike four Houthi drones that were prepared to launch. About five hours later, USS Laboon (DDG-58) and F/A-18s from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group shoot down seven drones over the Red Sea.
Feb. 1
At approximately 1:30 a.m. local time, U.S. Central Command forces strike one Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle ground control station and 10 Houthi drones. Central Command does not identify the forces involved in its release.
Central Command forces shoot down one unmanned aerial vehicle over the Gulf of Aden at approximately 5 a.m. local time. Central Command does not identify which forces conduct the strike.
About five and a half hours later, U.S. forces strike a Houthi uncrewed surface vehicle, the first time that Central Command reports the Yemeni-based group deploying a USV. Central Command says in a release that its forces strike the USV in self-defense because it was heading toward international shipping lanes.
Houthis launch two anti-ship ballistic missiles at 12:45 p.m. local time, likely heading toward MV Koi, a Bermuda-owned cargo ship sailing under a Liberian flag. The two missiles land in the sea.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin tells reporters that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are an international issue, not a U.S. one.
“The Houthis continue to do some things that are very irresponsible and illegal. And so our goal is to make sure that we take away, we continue to take away, capability from the Houthis to do what they’ve been doing,” Austin says in his first remarks to the press since his prostate cancer diagnosis.
Jan. 31
U.S. forces preemptively strike a Houthi surface-to-air missile launcher after deeming it a threat to American aircraft.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, Houthis fire one anti-ship ballistic missile toward the Gulf of Aden, which USS Carney (DDG-64) shoots down. Carney shoots down three Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles about 40 minutes later.
Jan. 30
USS Gravely (DDG-107) downs a Houthi anti-ship missile fired toward international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Jan. 28
United Kingdom Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond (D 34) engages a one-way attack drone headed toward the ship in self-defense. Using Sea Viper missiles, the Type 45-class destroyer successfully destroys the drone.
USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. crew boards a vessel, originating from Iran, that carries weapons bound for the Houthis, U.S. Central Command announces in a press release on Feb. 15.
Jan. 27
U.S. forces preemptively strike a Houthi anti-ship missile ready to launch into the Red Sea.
Jan. 26
Houthis strike Marshall Islands-flagged MV Marlin Luanda with an anti-ship ballistic missile, causing a fire onboard. Crews from USS Carney (DDG-64), French Navy Frigate FS Alsace (D656) and Indian Navy Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam (D66) respond to the stricken oil tanker to assist in firefighting efforts.
The Houthis fire a single anti-ship ballistic missile toward USS Carney (DDG-64), which subsequently intercepts the missile.
Jan. 24
Houthis fire three anti-ship ballistic missiles at U.S.-owned and operated MV Maersk Detroit while the ship transits the Gulf of Aden. USS Gravely (DDG-107) intercepts two of the missiles while the third impacts the water.
U.S. forces preemptively strike two Houthi anti-ship missiles that CENTCOM says are ready to launch into international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Jan. 22
U.S. and UK forces, with assistance from Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Bahrain, strike multiple Houthi military sites with Tomahawk cruise missiles and fighter jets. Various U.S. warships, including one unidentified submarine, shoot cruise missiles while aircraft launch from carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). Royal Air Force aircraft also participate. Targeted infrastructure includes storage facilities for anti-ship missiles and facilities aiding Houthi launches into the Red Sea.
Jan. 20
Jan. 19
U.S. forces preemptively strike three Houthi anti-ship missiles ready to launch into international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Jan. 18
The United Kingdom Maritime Transparency Organization reports that two vessels are nearly hit by one-way attack drones. Both vessels are unharmed in the attacks, with the drones hitting the water 800 and 30 meters away.
The Houthis launch two anti-ballistic missiles toward Marshall Islands-flagged and U.S.-owned MV Chem Ranger. Both missiles miss the tanker. The tanker’s crew observes the impact into the water. The vessel continues on its course and does not request assistance.
Jan. 17
A Houthi one-way attack drone strikes Marshall Islands-flagged MV Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. The bulk carrier reports no injuries or significant damage. The Indian Navy destroyer INS Visakhapatnam (D66) responds to the attack within the hour and provides a damage assessment.
U.S. forces preemptively destroy 14 anti-ship missiles before they can launch into the Red Sea. CENTCOM justifies the strike as self-defense, stating that the missiles “could have been fired at any time” at merchant vessels and Navy warships. The purpose of the strikes is to degrade Houthi capabilities and further attempts to disrupt international shipping lanes in the region.
Jan. 16
The Houthis strike Maltese-flagged MV Zografia with an anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea. While damaged, the bulk carrier remains seaworthy and continues on its voyage.
In retaliation for the strike on American-owned and operated MV Gibraltar Eagle, U.S. forces destroy four anti-ship ballistic missiles ready to launch at international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. According to the CENTCOM news release, these missiles represent an “immediate threat” to merchant shipping and Navy vessels.
The United Kingdom Maritime Transparency Organization reports that a merchant vessel is attacked by an unknown munition in the Red Sea. This unidentified merchant vessel continues on its voyage and reports no significant damage or casualties.
The United Kingdom Maritime Transparency Organization reports that four small boats approach a merchant vessel in the Red Sea. Despite closing within 400 meters of the vessel, a private security team onboard wards off the boats with warning shots.
Jan. 15
Marshall Islands-flagged and U.S.-owned and operated MV Gibraltar Eagle is harassed off the coast of Eritrea by small boats, although it’s unclear whether the boats belong to the Houthis. The boats are driven off after the onboard security team fires warning shots. Later in the day, a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile strikes Gibraltar Eagle. The crew reports no casualties or significant damage. U.S. forces detect another anti-ship ballistic missile launch before Gibraltar Eagle’s attack, but this missile lands in the water.
Jan. 14
Jan. 13
Jan. 11
U.S. and U.K. forces, with support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Bahrain, launch their first joint strikes on Houthi targets since the start of the attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea. The two countries strike 60 Houthi targets across 16 sites in Yemen, including anti-ship missile sites, storage facilities and command and control centers, using fighter jets and cruise missiles. The U.S. and U.K. forces use at least 80 Tomahawk cruise missiles during the strikes from U.S. destroyers and an unidentified submarine.
Half an hour before the U.S. and UK strike, the Houthis fire an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. A merchant vessel reports that the missile lands in its vicinity, harmlessly impacting the water away from any shipping.
Two Navy SEALs go missing off the coast of Somalia during a boarding operation on an Iranian dhow transporting missile components to Yemen. CENTCOM declares the two SEALs deceased 10 days later after an exhaustive search.
Jan. 9
U.S. and Royal Navy assets shoot down a number of missiles and drones launched by the Houthis in a mass anti-ship attack toward international shipping in the Red Sea. Fighter aircraft from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and four destroyers – three American and one British – down 18 one-way attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile in a combined effort.
2023
Dec. 31
U.S. forces respond to a distress call from the Singapore-flagged MV Maersk Hangzhou, which four Houthi small boats attack, attempting to seize the container ship. While the Maersk Hangzhou takes fire from machine guns and small arms, the embarked private security team keeps the hijackers at bay. Helicopters from aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) respond to the attack. Despite calls from U.S. forces to pull back, the Houthis open fire on the helicopters. In self-defense, the Navy helicopters return fire with Hellfire missiles, sinking three of the four attacking boats. Houthi media report that 10 fighters die in the attack.
Dec. 30
The Singapore-flagged MV Maersk Hangzhou sends out a distress call after a Houthi missile hits the ship. Two Navy destroyers, USS Laboon (DDG-58) and USS Gravely (DDG-107), respond. While en route, Gravely intercepts two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles.
Dec. 28
Dec. 26
USS Laboon (DDG-58) and fighter aircraft from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) intercept Houthi attack drones, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles that the Houthis fire into the Red Sea. In total, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and Super Hornets down a dozen drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two anti-ship cruise missiles.
Dec. 23
USS Laboon (DDG-58) downs four Houthi drones headed toward the destroyer. Laboon then responds to distress calls from two tankers, the Norwegian-flagged MV Blaamanen and the Indian-flagged MV Saibaba. Blaamanen reports a near-miss from a drone, while Saibaba reports damage from a one-way attack drone.
The Pentagon claims that the attack on the Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto, 200 nautical miles off of India, is by a drone originating from Iran. Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels respond to this attack and escort the stricken chemical tanker to Mumbai for further investigation.
Dec. 18
Houthis strike Cayman Islands-flagged MV Swan Atlantic with anti-ship ballistic missile and one-way attack drone. The tanker hails USS Carney (DDG-64) for assistance and the destroyer provides a damage assessment to Swan Atlantic.
Another Cayman Islands-flagged merchant ship, MV Clara, reports an explosion in its vicinity. MV Clara does not send any requests for aid.
Dec. 16
U.S. and U.K. warships engage a Houthi drone swarm heading toward international shipping lanes. In the Red Sea, USS Carney (DDG-64) shoots down a wave of 14 one-way attack drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. HMS Diamond (D34) engages another drone during the attack, marking the the first time a Royal Navy warship intercepts an aerial threat since the 1991 Gulf War.
Dec. 15
Houthi forces harass Liberian-flagged MSC Alanya. At 7 a.m. local time, the Houthis threaten to attack the container ship if it does not follow their directions and change course toward Yemen. Although Alanya keeps on its heading, ignoring the Houthis demands, the Houthis do not attack. U.S. forces keep in communication with the container ship during the ordeal, but there are no Navy warships nearby to render assistance.
At 9 a.m. local time, a Houthi-launched drone hits Liberian-flagged MV Al Jasrah during its transit in the Red Sea. Despite the strike causing a fire, Al Jasrah’s crew brings the flames under control, and the ship rescinds its request for aid. There are no casualties.
Houthis fire two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at 1 p.m. local time, with one striking the Liberian-flagged MV Palatium 3 and causing a fire onboard. The other anti-ship ballistic missile impacts open water, away from other merchant ships. USS Mason (DDG-87) responds to the container ship’s distress call.
Dec. 14
The Houthis fire one anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. While this missile does not hit any merchant vessels, Houthi forces contact the Hong Kong-flagged MV Maersk Gibraltar, threatening the ship’s crew with additional missile attacks if it does not stop sailing. Despite no reports of damage or launches from Yemen, Houthi media claim to strike the container ship. U.S. forces monitor the situation. As a result, Maersk temporarily pauses shipping in the Red Sea.
Dec. 13
After Houthi forces unsuccessfully attempt to board the Marshall Island-flagged tanker MV Ardmore Encounter via boats, the organization fires two anti-ship cruise missiles. This attack also fails, with the missiles reportedly missing the tanker. USS Mason (DDG-87) downs an unmanned vehicle as the destroyer responds to Ardmore Encounter’s distress call.
Dec. 11, 2023
The Houthis fire an anti-ship cruise missile at Norweigian-flagged Motor Tanker Strinda while it’s transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. No crew are harmed despite an ensuing fire onboard. On patrol in the area at the time, the French Navy frigate Languedoc (D 653) protects the stricken tanker by shooting down a drone that is headed toward Strinda. According to a French news release, this action prevents a hijacking attempt. After USS Mason (DDG-87) responds to the Mayday call and assists Strinda, Languedoc resumes its patrol.
Dec. 9
Dec. 6
USS Mason (DDG 87) downs a drone launched by the Houthis into the Red Sea.
Dec. 3
USS Carney (DDG-64) tracks an anti-ship ballistic missile that launches from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen at the Bahamas-flagged MV Unity Explorer at 9:15 a.m. local time. The crew reports that the missile falls into the water near the vessel. However, at 12:35 p.m. local time, another missile originating from the Houthis strikes the Unity Explorer. While responding to the distress call, Carney downs an inbound drone. The bulk carrier sustains minor damage from the strike and no casualties.
At at 3:30 p.m. local time, another missile originating from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen hits Panamanian-flagged MV Number 9 while the ship is transiting the Red Sea. The bulk carrier reports damage from the strike and no casualties.
The Houthis strike Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier MV Sophie II at around 4:30 p.m. local time. As USS Carney (DDG-64) heads to Sophie II to assist, the destroyer downs a drone flying in its direction. Sophie II sustains minor damage and no casualties.
Nov. 29
While escorting USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) and a U.S.-flagged commercial vessel carrying military supplies to an unspecified location, USS Carney (DDG-64) downs an Iranian-made KAS-04 unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen. With the drone heading in the general direction of the destroyer and the escorted vessels in the Red Sea, Carney’s commander engages the unmanned aerial vehicle in self-defense.
Nov. 26
USS Mason (DDG-87) intercepts a Houthi ASBM during its response to a hijacking attempt on the Liberian-flagged Central Park. The Pentagon tells reporters that the pirates are Somali. The Pentagon determines that Mason is not the target after Houthis fire two ballistic missiles toward Mason and Central Park.
Nov. 23
Nov. 15, 2023
Oct. 19
Shortly after completing its Suez Canal transit, USS Carney (DDG-64) shoots down several cruise missiles and drones launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen in a three-hour-long engagement in the Red Sea. While officials do not specify the number of targets Carney engages, the crew shoots down at least three cruise missiles with SM-2s. The Pentagon is ambiguous about whether the downed munitions are targeting U.S. warships or targets in Israel.
