WASHINGTON: The United States military has confirmed conducting multiple strikes against the Houthis in Yemen in response to threats posed by the group’s missile systems targeting US Navy and merchant ships in Red Sea, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday.
Late Wednesday local time in Sanaa, CENTCOM forces launched strikes against two Houthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles installed for launch in the Red Sea. Subsequently, another strike was executed against a Houthi mobile land attack cruise missile, both in Yemen.
CENTCOM emphasized that the targeted missiles posed a direct and immediate threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels navigating in the region.
Meanwhile, the Houthis’ news agency had reported earlier that the US and UK had conducted strikes in Yemen’s Hodeida province. The group have been increasing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The recent spate of attacks began in November, with the Houthis claiming to target vessels allegedly linked to Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza. This has prompted retaliatory strikes from US and British forces. Following these actions, the Houthis have expanded their declared targets to include American and British interests.
