US strikes targets belonging to Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it carried out 5 defensive strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
AA
CENTCOM made a statement on the social media platform X.
The statement noted that CENTCOM conducted 5 defensive strikes yesterday against targets belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM Sana'a local time.
5 AIRSTRIKES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT
The statement recorded that the strikes targeted 3 mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Houthi-controlled areas, and stated that it was observed that the Houthis used a UUV for the first time since October 23, 2023.
According to news on the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television, the US and British Air Forces had carried out 5 airstrikes yesterday in the Ra's Isa area of the As-Salif district in Hodeidah.
The report stated that 2 airstrikes were carried out in the Al-Kaseeb area, and that the Jah area in the Bayt al-Faqih district and the Taif area in the Durayhimi district were also targeted.
THE SITUATION IN THE RED SEA
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen began seizing commercial ships they claimed were linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen on October 31, 2023, citing a reaction to Israel's attacks in Gaza, and began launching attacks on some of them with unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.
US forces have announced many times during this process that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.
Following the actions of the Houthis, many shipping companies decided to stop their voyages in the Red Sea.
The US announced on December 18, 2023, that a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" had been formed with the participation of a group of countries, citing that the security of global maritime trade was in danger.
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 in the Red Sea had been targeted with missiles and kamikaze drones on the grounds that it supported Israel.
The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on January 11, submitted by the US and Japan, calling for an immediate end to the Houthi 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.