US Forces conduct five strikes to thwart Houthi attacks in Red Sea

CENTCOM says US forces in Red Sea have carried out five self-defense strikes to counter Houthi-controlled attacks in Yemen

In a bid to fend off attacks from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, US forces in the Red Sea have executed “five self-defense strikes,” as confirmed by the American military on Sunday.

The strikes, carried out between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm Saturday Sanaa time, according to the US Central Command, form part of a broader strategy aimed at quelling the repeated assaults on Red Sea shipping lanes by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Among the targets were unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs), marking the first observed use of such technology by the Houthi forces since attacks commenced in October. Additionally, an unmanned surface vessel (USV), described as a floating drone, was also engaged, in a relatively uncommon occurrence.

The remaining strikes targeted anti-ship cruise missiles, according to CENTCOM.

The command stated that these actions were necessary to counter an imminent threat to both US Navy ships and merchant vessels operating in the region, emphasizing the goal of ensuring the safety of international waters.

Concurrently, maritime security firm Ambrey reported a fresh incident in the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb strait, where a cargo vessel came under attack on Sunday.

The Houthi offensive, which began in November, has its roots in purported support for Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The rebels claim to target vessels linked to Israel, prompting responses from US and British forces.

In response to the heightened tensions, insurance premiums for shipping companies traversing the Red Sea have surged, compelling many to seek alternative routes. The Red Sea corridor typically facilitates approximately 12 percent of global maritime trade.

Source: AFP