US military destroys missile and drone of Yemeni Houthis
In the past 24 hours, US military forces have destroyed a missile and a drone belonging to the Houthi rebels in the Yemen region, according to the Central Command of the US Armed Forces (CENTCOM).
The military determined that these systems presented a clear and imminent threat to US and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region
"This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels," the statement reads.
Attacks by Yemeni Houthis
Since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemenite Houthi militants, supported by Iran, have been targeting commercial and cargo ships navigating through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
The US and several EU nations' military forces have been deployed to the Yemen area to protect vessels and maintain regional stability. Despite numerous strikes on Houthi targets, attacks have continued.
For example, last week near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, militants attacked the oil tanker Sounion, creating a risk of an oil spill into open waters.
Previously, US forces had destroyed a maritime drone and a Houthi ground control station that posed a threat.
Additionally, American military forces have eliminated two vessels belonging to Yemeni terrorists.