US strikes Houthi cruise missiles and drones in Yemen
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The United States has launched strikes against Houthi missiles and drones in Yemen, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
"The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted self-defense strikes against four mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) and one Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen," the statement reads.
Additionally, during this time, US military forces shot down three drones launched from Iran-supported areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthis, heading towards the Gulf of Aden.
"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels," the statement says.
Houthi attacks
Since November, the Houthis have been launching drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians protesting Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip.
On January 28, it was reported that a Houthi drone attacked a British military ship in the Red Sea, and the next day, Houthi militants claimed to have attacked an American destroyer. However, the Pentagon refuted the militants' claim.
On February 26, the Houthis again attacked a tanker in the Gulf of Aden flying under the American flag. Just days before that, they launched an attack in the Red Sea on a US ship carrying humanitarian aid.
