US strikes Houthi missiles after Red Sea attack

CENTCOM announces six strikes after Iran-backed Houthis launched two missiles at the container vessel Pinocchio

U.S. military conducted airstrikes Monday targeting an underwater drone and 18 anti-ship missiles in response to activities by the Yemen-based Houthi militant group posing a threat to Red Sea maritime routes. 

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that six strikes were executed shortly after the Iran-supported Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Liberian-flagged, Singaporean-owned container vessel Pinocchio. 

CENTCOM clarified the missiles did not strike the vessel, and there were no casualties reported. 

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the ship was located approximately 130 kilometers (80.7 miles) southwest of Saleef, Yemen, during the assault. 

Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesperson, took credit for the assaults, asserting that they were in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas. 

Sarea mentioned on Monday that the Houthi offensive would intensify during the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. 

Source: AP