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The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on April 2 that its forces destroyed an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that was launched by the Houthis (Ansar Allah) from Yemen a day earlier.
“It was determined this USV presented a threat to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region,” the command said in a statement. “These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.”
CENTCOM didn’t mention any strikes against the Houthis in the statement. However, Yemen’s Al-Masirah TV, which is run by the group, said that a series of “American-British” strikes hit the province of al-Hodeidah, which makes most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, on April 1.
The strikes hit the al-Taif area in the southern Durayhimi district, the news channel reported, without providing more details.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have attacked dozens of vessels affiliated with Israel or owned by the U.S. and the United Kingdom in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since last November in response to the Israeli war and siege on the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
In an attempt to deter the Houthis, the U.S. and the UK have carried out hundreds of strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen since January. At least 34 people were killed in these strikes. Nevertheless, the Houthis remain undeterred.
Now, the group is reportedly developing their offensive capabilities and planning to expand their operations to cover vessels in the Indian Ocean, as they travel toward the Cape of Good Hope.
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