Recent reports from US Central Command reveal that US forces have conducted successful attacks on Houthi radars in Yemen, aiming to disrupt the Iranian-backed group's ongoing assaults on ships in the Red Sea. The strikes, which took place late this week, targeted seven radars in Houthi-controlled areas, which were being used to target maritime vessels and endanger commercial shipping.
The need for these actions became evident following a Wednesday attack by Houthi militants on a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship, resulting in severe flooding and damage to the engine room. The crew had to abandon ship and was rescued by US and partner forces, including the USS Philippine Sea. The ship is currently adrift in the Red Sea, taking on water.
In addition to destroying the radars, US forces also neutralized an uncrewed aerial system and two uncrewed surface vessels launched from Yemen in the Red Sea. Despite previous counter strikes by the US and UK to weaken Houthi weapon supplies, the group's assaults in the Red Sea have persisted.
On Thursday, another cargo ship, the M/V Verbena, was targeted by Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in severe injuries to a civilian mariner and fires on board. The wounded mariner was evacuated by aircraft from a nearby US warship, while the crew managed to extinguish the fires and continue their journey.
CENTCOM emphasized that the ongoing threats posed by the Iranian-backed Houthis not only endanger the lives of mariners in the region but also disrupt international commerce and humanitarian assistance efforts in Yemen and Gaza. Despite multiple rounds of strikes to degrade Houthi military capabilities, the group shows no signs of halting their attacks.
In response, CENTCOM stated that the US, in collaboration with partners, will continue to hold the Houthis accountable and work towards degrading their military capabilities to ensure regional stability and the safety of maritime activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
