Houthi rebels, for the first time, launched surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) at a U.S. F-16 fighter jet on February 19, according to three senior U.S. defense officials. The jet, flying off the coast of Yemen over the Red Sea, managed to evade the missile. Additionally, Houthis targeted an American MQ-9 Reaper drone with a SAM on the same day, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the Iranian-backed Houthis and the U.S. military. The U.S., under the Biden administration, has been defending its warships in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab Strait from Houthi attacks following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. The strategic response to the Houthis is under debate, considering whether to focus on a counterterrorism strategy targeting the individuals behind the attacks or a more defensive approach aimed at Houthi infrastructure. The threat of a Houthi missile hitting a U.S. Navy vessel is becoming increasingly concerning.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/houthis-target-us-fighter-jet-drone-sam-missiles-first-time