In a recent development, the United States military took action on Tuesday to neutralize four anti-ship missiles in Yemen, aimed at both civilian and military vessels. These missiles, attributed to Iran-backed Houthi rebels, posed an imminent threat to shipping activities in the Red Sea region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the missiles were located in Houthi-controlled areas and were intercepted before they could be launched.
This marks the third instance within a week that the US has conducted strikes against the Huthis, who have been persistently targeting merchant vessels in the strategic Red Sea shipping lane. The rebels claim these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas continues.
In a statement, CENTCOM revealed that the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes on Tuesday. A Maltese-flagged bulk carrier reported being hit but remained seaworthy. This incident follows previous joint efforts by the United States and Britain to target almost 30 sites in Yemen, deploying over 150 munitions, in response to Houthi aggression.
Despite international condemnation, the Huthis have declared US and British interests as “legitimate targets” and persist in their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The United States has been actively involved in intercepting missiles and drones launched from Yemen, aiming to safeguard the vital Red Sea transit route that facilitates up to 12 percent of global trade.
In a significant development, CENTCOM disclosed that American forces intercepted Iranian-made missile parts en route to the Huthis in the Arabian Sea last week. This marks the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons destined for the Houthis since their attacks on merchant ships began in November 2023.
In response to the escalating threat, the United States established a multinational naval task force last month dedicated to protecting Red Sea shipping from Houthi disruptions. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Huthi rebels targeting Israeli-linked vessels, a claim disputed by Washington, asserting that numerous countries have connections to the targeted ships.
This series of events underscores the volatile situation in Yemen and the broader implications for global maritime security, as nations work to address the escalating tensions in the region.
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