Click to see full-size image. (The U.S. Central Command)
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on February 18 that its forces carried out five “self-defense” strikes against weapons of the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen a day earlier.
The weapons included three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) and one unmanned surface vessel, the command said in a statement, noting that this was the first observed employment of a UUV by the Houthis.
“CENTCOM identified the anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vessel, and the unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region,” the command said.
It also added that the strikes “will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.”
Yemen’s Al-Masirah TV, which is run by the Houthis, said that several “American-British” strikes targeted the areas of Ras Issa, al-Taif and al-Kathib on February 17. However, the news channel didn’t report any casualties.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have targeted dozens of Israel-affiliated vessels and others owned by the U.S. and the United Kingdom in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 19 in response to the ongoing Israeli war and siege on the Gaza Strip, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 28,000 Palestinians.
The U.S. and the UK retaliated by carrying out dozens of strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. However, the group remains undeterred. In recent days, two ships linked to the UK were struck by Houthi missiles.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
- U.S. Army Confirms Missile Launch By Houthis, Announces More Strikes On Yemen
- Houthi Missiles Hit British Oil Tanker In Red Sea
