U.S. conducted strikes against six Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles

In a statement, U.S. military officials indicated that the missile strike was carried out in self-defense.

"On Feb. 3, at approximately 7:20 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted strikes in self-defense against six Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea," CENTCOM's statement reads.

The statement also noted that the U.S. armed forces identified the cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

"This action will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels," emphasized the statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Meanwhile, this evening, Al Masirah TV reported that U.S. and British military forces conducted a series of strikes on Yemen for the second time within a day, targeting Houthi facilities in Sanaa.

Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea

Since November of last year, Houthi rebels have actively targeted merchant vessels with ties to Israel. The initial attacks coincided with the onset of Israel's conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas. In January, the terrorist organization carried out a significant strike, which was repelled by U.S. and British forces in the Red Sea. Despite the military response, Houthi militants persisted in their attacks on trade ships.

The U.S. and UK had previously issued warnings that if Houthi attacks continued, strikes on their military assets would be repeated. On January 17, the U.S. once again designated the Houthis as a global terrorist organization.

Yesterday, the U.S. Central Command announced that two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, possibly targeting a commercial vessel.

For more details on the U.S. and UK attack on the Houthis, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.