London, England – The United States has taken decisive action in response to recent Houthi missile attacks in Yemen, conducting defensive strikes and destroying anti-ship missiles, according to officials from the United States Central Command.
Following the launch of two anti-ship ballistic missiles by Houthi rebels into the Red Sea towards a merchant vessel, the U.S. Central Command intervened with six self-defense strikes. These strikes successfully destroyed an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles located in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The operation occurred shortly after the initial missile attacks and aimed to protect merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels targeted a Singaporean-owned, Liberian-flagged ship, named the Pinocchio, with the ballistic missiles. Fortunately, the missiles did not impact the vessel, resulting in no injuries or damage reported. This incident marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, adding to the challenges faced by commercial ships navigating through the region.
With the U.S. military’s campaign of airstrikes initiated in January, over 100 Houthi missiles have been shot down and destroyed, according to a recent analysis. Despite these efforts, the relentless attacks from the Houthi rebels show no signs of abating, posing a significant threat to both military and civilian vessels passing through the area.
In response to the attacks, coalition warships have been on high alert, intercepting and neutralizing any incoming Houthi fire to safeguard commercial ships operating in the region. The continued targeting of merchant vessels with little protection highlights the need for increased international cooperation to ensure the safety and security of vital sea lanes in the area.
As tensions persist in the region, the United States remains committed to protecting freedom of navigation and promoting stability in international waters. The recent defensive actions taken against the Houthi missile threats underscore the importance of maintaining maritime security in the Red Sea and beyond.
ABC News’ Lauren Minore contributed to this report.