Houthi Attacks Force Suspension of US Operation Roughrider in Red Sea
Houthi forces in Yemen have shot down seven US MQ-9 Reaper drones and contributed to the loss of a US F/A-18 aircraft, according to reports released June 30. The intensity of Houthi air defense activity and surface-to-air missile strikes has forced the US military to suspend 'Operation Roughrider' after just thirty days. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned of further escalation in Somaliland to counter what he described as growing Israeli maritime presence in the Gulf of Aden.
Date: June 30, 2026
Location: Yemen
Conflict: Red Sea Crisis
Category: naval
Severity: HIGH