US Military Conducts Five Strikes on Houthi Weapon Systems: American military forces operating in the Red Sea have carried out five defensive strikes to prevent attacks by Houthi forces from Yemen, announced the US military on Sunday.
The strikes took place between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm local time on Saturday in Sanaa, according to the US Central Command. These actions are part of ongoing efforts by the United States and its allies to counter the Houthi insurgency and stop their repeated assaults on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, which are vital for international trade.
Among the targets of the five strikes was the first reported use of an unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) by the Houthi forces since attacks began in October, CENTCOM stated. Additionally, an unmanned surface vessel (USV), essentially a floating drone, was also targeted. The use of such vessels by the Houthis has been relatively uncommon. The remaining three strikes targeted anti-ship cruise missiles.
CENTCOM emphasized that these strikes were conducted because the identified Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen posed an immediate threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. The aim of the strikes is to enhance the safety of international waters.
In a separate incident, maritime security firm Ambrey reported an attack on a cargo vessel in the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait on Sunday.
The Houthi rebels, who control significant parts of Yemen including the port city of Hodeida, began their attacks in November, claiming they were targeting vessels with ties to Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have prompted responses from US and British forces, with the Houthis declaring both countries' interests as legitimate targets.
The attacks in the Red Sea have led to increased insurance costs for shipping companies, causing many to seek alternative routes and avoid the affected area, which normally facilitates approximately 12 percent of global maritime trade.
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