The U.S. military has recently conducted a series of operations targeting Houthi military assets in Yemen. These actions come in response to the rebels’ attacks on commercial and Navy ships in the Red Sea.
To protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of U.S. Navy vessels and merchant ships, the U.S. Central Command carried out strikes against a ground control station and 10 drones in areas controlled by the Houthis.
The U.S. military emphasized that these strikes were conducted in self-defense, as the targets posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the area. By neutralizing these threats, the U.S. aims to make international waters safer and more secure for all maritime activities.
Before these recent operations, U.S. forces successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, three Iranian drones were destroyed in the region.
The Houthis initiated their missile and drone campaign on Red Sea shipping lanes in mid-November, causing cargo vessels to seek alternative routes and leading to an increase in the price of goods.
The Houthis claim that their attacks are a display of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, who have been subjected to Israeli strikes following the October 7 Hamas assault on Israeli border communities.
In response to the Houthi group’s disregard for multiple warnings, the U.S. and U.K. commenced joint attacks on Houthi military targets on January 11.
On Tuesday, the USS Gravely successfully intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile launched by the militant group. This incident marked the closest any Houthi attack has come to a U.S. warship since the rebels began their assaults.
Recognizing the need for enhanced protection against Houthi attacks, the European Union (EU) has announced plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within the next three weeks.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated that the naval mission aims to defend commercial ships from Houthi attacks. The mission is expected to be approved by the EU’s foreign ministers when they convene on February 19.
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