On Monday, US forces carried out a strike in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, destroying seven anti-ship missiles, three drones, and three weapons storage containers. The operation, conducted between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time, was deemed a necessary act of self-defense by US Central Command.
CENTCOM stated that the weapons targeted posed an imminent threat to both merchant vessels and US Navy ships operating in the region. This action comes amidst escalating tensions in the area, fueled by attacks from Iran-backed Houthi militants on commercial ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Earlier this month, a tragic incident occurred when a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis struck a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the loss of three crew members. This marked the first fatal attack by the militant group since October.
The US military's continued presence and operations in the region reflect a commitment to safeguarding maritime security and protecting vital shipping lanes. These recent strikes serve as a clear message that threats to commercial and naval vessels will not be tolerated.