In a recent incident highlighting instability in the Red Sea, the Houthis launched surface-to-air missiles at a US F-16 fighter jet and an MQ-9 Reaper drone on 19 February. According to reports from Reuters and Fox News, the attacks were unsuccessful. This development follows Houthi claims of downing 14 MQ-9 Reaper drones since 7 October 2023, though the Pentagon disputes these figures. The Houthis first shot down a US drone in 2017.
Trump’s Move to Redesignate Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation
On 22 January, former US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to reinstate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). Under the order, the US State Department is expected to make the designation by 8 March, triggering economic, legal, and diplomatic sanctions against the group.
US Operations Against the Houthis in the Red Sea
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been attacking international shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in response to the Gaza conflict. In December 2023, the US and its allies launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect maritime security. To date, the Houthis have carried out over 100 attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. According to the Israeli military, the Houthis launched around 40 missiles and over 300 drones towards Israel in January 2025.
Iran’s Arms Support to the Houthis
A July 2024 report from the Defence Intelligence Agency states that the Houthis used Iranian-supplied weapons for over 100 land and sea-based attacks. These weapons include drones with a range of 2,500 kilometres and ballistic and cruise missiles capable of reaching 2,000 kilometres. The report highlights the Houthis’ ability to quickly adapt Iranian weapons for increased effectiveness.
International Call from Yemen
Yemen’s internationally recognised government has called for global action against Houthi aggression. Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani urged the international community to stop the chaos caused by the Houthis, while Vice President Aidarous al-Zubaidi stressed the need to act as Iran’s influence wanes.
The US Navy has previously intercepted illegal Iranian weapons bound for the Houthis. Experts suggest Washington should bolster Yemen’s Coast Guard with intelligence and financial support to combat smuggling, alongside imposing sanctions on entities financing the Houthi movement.
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor
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