WASHINGTON: US forces deployed in the Red Sea have launched five new strikes to thwart potential attacks by Houthis in Yemen, the Pentagon announced on Sunday.
According to the US military, the strikes were carried out between 3 pm and 8 pm Sanaa time (1200 and 1700 GMT), as part of a concerted effort to counter repeated attacks by the group on Red Sea shipping lanes.
The latest strikes mark a significant development, with the US Central Command noting the first deployment of an unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) by the Houthis since attacks commenced in October. Additionally, one of the strikes targeted an unmanned surface vessel (USV), a relatively infrequent occurrence in such confrontations.
Three of the strikes specifically targeted anti-ship cruise missiles, all of which were identified in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The Central Command determined that these weapons posed an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the area.
Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Vessels
The Houthis launched their attacks in November. They asserted that their actions were in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the besieged Palestinian territory.
In response to the Houthi attacks, both US and British forces have conducted strikes against the group. In response, the Houthis have declared the interests of these two nations as legitimate targets.
The impact of the Red Sea attacks extends beyond the military realm, affecting global maritime trade. The heightened risk has led to increased insurance premiums for shipping companies, prompting many to circumvent the Red Sea altogether. This strategic route typically facilitates approximately 12 percent of global maritime trade.
