On 11 January 2024, the US and UK launched air and naval strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen in response to its ongoing attacks on Red Sea shipping. The two countries conducted further strikes on 22 January and 3 February. The US has also launched 11 separate strikes against the group since 11 January.
Beginning in November 2023, the Houthis have been launching attacks against ships it says are linked to Israel, causing shipping to be diverted away from the Red Sea, threatening trade and freedom of navigation.
The Houthis are one of several Iran-aligned armed groups in the Middle East, which also include Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shia militias in Iraq, who have been conducting attacks against Israel, Israeli-linked ships, and US forces and military bases since the Hamas assault on Israel on 7 October 2023.
The January 2024 strikes follow warnings by the UK Defence Secretary that the UK was prepared to use military force to stop the Houthi attacks and a UN Security Council Resolution demanding a halt to them.
This research briefing explains who the Houthis are, their recent attacks, the UK/US January strikes and their legal basis, and the international response.