US strikes 2 Houthi anti-ship missiles in Yemen

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that an attack was carried out against the group, which has been in the headlines recently due to its actions in the Red Sea.

"ATTACK CONDUCTED ON 2 ANTI-SHIP MISSILES"

The statement said, "On January 18, in the context of ongoing multinational efforts to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and prevent attacks on US and partner maritime traffic, CENTCOM forces conducted strikes on 2 anti-ship missiles that were prepared to be fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and were targeting the southern Red Sea."

The statement argued that the missiles in question posed an "imminent threat" to commercial vessels and US Navy ships in the region, and noted that the missiles were identified by US forces and destroyed in an act of "self-defense."

CURRENT SITUATION IN THE RED SEA

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen began seizing commercial vessels they claimed were linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen on October 31, 2023, in response to Israel's attacks in Gaza, and began launching drone and missile attacks on some of them.

US forces have noted on several occasions during this process that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.

Following the Houthis' actions, numerous shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.

On December 18, the US announced the creation of a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" with the participation of a group of countries, citing the threat to global maritime trade security posed by Houthi forces.

On December 31, 2023, 3 Houthi speedboats attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea were fired upon by US helicopters.

On January 10, the Houthis announced that a US ship had been targeted in the Red Sea with missiles and kamikaze drones on the grounds that it was supporting Israel.

On January 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution submitted by the US and Japan demanding an immediate end to the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea.

Approximately 12 percent of global trade is conducted through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia.