(Reuters) – According to the U.S. Central Command, American forces carried out defensive strikes against six Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles that were being prepared to launch at ships in the Red Sea.
The U.S. forces specifically identified the cruise missiles in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi group and concluded that they posed an immediate threat to U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels in the region. The statement also indicated that the strikes were conducted in self-defense.
The Central Command’s announcement comes as tensions continue to escalate in the region amid ongoing conflict between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition, with Yemen being a key battleground.
The U.S. has previously accused Iran of providing support to the Houthi rebels, including supplying them with weapons such as missiles and drones, allegations that Iran has consistently denied.
The latest strikes against the Houthi cruise missiles highlight the ongoing security challenges facing the U.S. military in the Middle East and the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups and militias in the region.
The Red Sea is a key strategic waterway that is heavily trafficked by commercial vessels and is of significant importance to global maritime trade, making it a critical area of concern for naval security.
Due to its location, any potential disruptions to maritime traffic in the Red Sea could have far-reaching implications for global trade and economic stability. The U.S. actions to defend against the Houthi cruise missiles reflect the importance of safeguarding this vital maritime corridor.
As tensions in the region continue to simmer, the U.S. military remains vigilant in protecting its interests and those of its allies, striving to maintain stability and security in the strategically important Red Sea region.
The Central Command’s swift response to the perceived threat of the Houthi cruise missiles underscores the ongoing volatile nature of the conflict in Yemen and the challenges it poses to regional and international security.
Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Diane Craft
