Assessment of 30 Days of CENTCOM Large-Scale Operations Against the Houthis in Northern Yemen
Methodology: This assessment is based on data compiled from statements by the Houthi military spokesman, as published on his official Telegram channel, and cross-referenced with reporting from the Saba News Agency and Al Masirah News Network to ensure completeness. In most cases, the Houthis do not disclose the exact number of missiles or drones used in each attack, meaning the figures below represent minimum counts—actual usage is likely higher.
Over the past 30 days, U.S. sea and air strikes led by CENTCOM have systematically targeted Houthi long-range strike capabilities, with the objective of disrupting platforms used against American and allied interests in the region. During this period, the Houthis launched a minimum of 85 projectiles and drones, spanning across key platforms: Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs), Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs), Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs).
A minimum of eight ASBMs were launched at U.S. US 5th
Fleet assets, with the final recorded launch occurring on March 20. The absence of further ASBM launches since that date suggests that CENTCOM’s air campaign may have successfully degraded core infrastructure—such as mobile launchers, command-and-control systems, and logistics lines—responsible for this high-end strike capability.
These Houthi-Iranian ASBMs include Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar Mayoun, Asef, Faleq, Mohit, and Tankil, suggesting a shortage of these anti-ship capabilities equipped with electro-optical/infrared systems and Iranian guidance kits.
UAV activity remained consistent, with at least 26 drones launched against U.S. targets, including 17 UAVs specifically targeting @USNavy assets, reflecting the group’s continued maritime focus. Separately, a minimum of 4 Yafa-model UAVs targeted Israel, which itself was attacked at least 16 times during the reporting period. These included the launch of at least 8 Palestine-2 "hypersonic" missiles and 4 Zulfiqar medium-range ballistic missiles, highlighting the Houthis’ capacity to project power beyond the Red Sea and signal strategic intent to regional adversaries.
ASCMs were the most frequently used system, with at least 28 launches targeting U.S. maritime forces. This trend underscores the Houthis’ strategic emphasis on disrupting naval operations and commercial shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb and the southern Red Sea.
In addition, SAMs were employed extensively throughout the 30-day window in an effort to contest U.S. aerial dominance and protect Houthi assets. These SAM engagements led to the confirmed shoot-down of at least four U.S. MQ-9 Reapers. There is also credible evidence that a Chinese-made Giant Shark F360 drone, likely operated by the Yemeni National Army or the Saudi-led Coalition, was also downed during this timeframe—marking a significant instance of cross-bloc aerial confrontation.
Despite the breadth and intensity of the U.S. air campaign, the Houthis have continued to adapt through decentralized production, mobile launch units, and concealed infrastructure, enabling them to sustain operations. While high-value capabilities like ASBMs appear to have been effectively disrupted, lower-tier yet tactically effective systems like UAVs and ASCMs remain actively deployed.
Additionally, 8 out of the 30 days during this assessment period saw no recorded Houthi attacks, signaling a measurable—though likely temporary—decline in operational tempo, possibly due to U.S. strikes or tactical regrouping. However, the persistence of launches across the remaining 22 days reaffirms that airstrikes alone are unlikely to fully neutralize the Houthi threat without integrated ground operations or diplomatic efforts to constrain their warfighting capacity.