US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces conducted defensive strikes against three underground weapons storage facilities belonging to the Houthi rebels in Yemen-controlled territories. These strikes, as per CENTCOM’s statement released on Friday, targeted facilities utilized by the Houthis to threaten and attack naval and merchant vessels in the region.
Additionally, CENTCOM reported the destruction of four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in self-defense within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The statement highlighted the necessity of these strikes in safeguarding international waters and protecting US, coalition, and merchant vessels from potential threats posed by the Houthis.
The conflict in Yemen has seen intensified activity by Houthi rebels, who have targeted ships in the Red Sea region, disrupting global shipping routes. These attacks, purportedly conducted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have led shipping companies to opt for longer and more costly routes around Southern Africa to avoid the danger zone.
Responding to the US strikes, Muhammad Ali Al-Houthi, the head of the Houthi supreme revolutionary committee, condemned what he described as “reckless” attacks by the US and Britain on Yemen. The Houthi-run Saba News Agency reported five airstrikes conducted by US and British aircraft in Hodeidah, the region housing Yemen’s primary port.
CENTCOM emphasized that their defensive actions were prompted by Houthi militants launching four anti-ship ballistic missiles towards the Red Sea from areas under their control. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or damages to US, coalition, or commercial vessels as a result of these missile launches.
In justifying the strikes on the weapons storage facilities, CENTCOM reiterated their commitment to protecting their forces, ensuring freedom of navigation, and enhancing the safety and security of international waters for all maritime traffic. These actions reflect the ongoing efforts of the United States to mitigate threats posed by armed groups in volatile regions while upholding principles of maritime security and stability.
