In a strategic move to counter potential threats in the Red Sea, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday the successful destruction of two remotely controlled explosive-laden boats and three anti-ship cruise missiles belonging to the Houthi rebels in Yemen’s western province of Hodeidah.
CENTCOM reported that the US military conducted precision strikes on Saturday afternoon, targeting two unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles located north of Hodeidah. This preemptive action aimed to thwart Houthi attempts to launch assaults on ships traversing the Red Sea.
The decision to strike was based on CENTCOM’s identification of these USVs and missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, deeming them an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels operating in the region.
While the Yemeni militia notably reduced its Red Sea strikes in the past 96 hours, the US military remained vigilant in safeguarding maritime security. The Houthis, however, claimed that the US and UK conducted three attacks in the Al-Salif region, northwest of Hodeidah.
This follows a previous announcement by CENTCOM on Saturday, revealing the destruction of two explosive-laden Houthi drone boats and five cruise missiles that were prepared for launch against US and international commercial and naval ships on Friday.
The Houthi rebels have been engaged in a series of maritime attacks since November, utilizing remotely controlled drone boats, explosive-laden drones, and ballistic missiles. They claim these actions are in support of Palestine and aimed at pressuring Israel to lift its siege on Gaza. Despite the threats from Houthi leaders to target Israel, the US, and the UK, the Iran-backed militia has yet to claim responsibility for recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency, responsible for documenting ship assaults, has not issued fresh maritime security alerts since Tuesday. As tensions persist in the region, the international community remains watchful of developments and potential escalations in the ongoing conflict.