In a recent message to Congress, President Joe Biden emphasized that the Houthi movement, classified internationally as a terrorist organization, continues to pose a threat by potentially launching future attacks against U.S. forces, military vessels, and maritime traffic in the Red Sea.

In his letter regarding the War Powers Report, Biden stated that U.S. forces have conducted separate strikes against facilities, locations, and equipment in Yemen that support and facilitate Houthi attacks in the Red Sea area. He noted that these operations are intended to protect American personnel and assets, while also undermining the Houthis’ capability to carry out future attacks against the United States and maritime navigation.

Since November 2023, Houthi militants based in Yemen have launched a series of attacks against U.S. forces, including ships and aircraft, as well as commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. Biden highlighted that these attacks threaten the safety of American forces, commercial vessels, and their crews, as well as regional political and economic stability and the rights of maritime navigation.

The President pointed out that the U.S. maintains armed forces in Saudi Arabia to protect American interests in the region against hostilities from Iran and Iran-backed groups. Currently, there are 2,027 U.S. troops coordinating with the Saudi government, providing air and missile defense capabilities while supporting U.S. military operations.

Since October 2023, the Houthis have escalated their attacks using missiles and drones against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden, resulting in increased marine insurance costs and prompting many international shipping companies to opt for significantly longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

To deter the Houthis, the U.S.-led “Guardian of Prosperity” coalition, which includes significant participation from the U.K., began conducting airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen starting in January 2024. The group has since expanded its operations to target vessels associated with Washington and London.