WASHINGTON: The US military conducted additional attacks in Yemen early Wednesday, destroying two Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the Red Sea and preparing to launch, according to a statement.
The US strikes, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. (2330 GMT), are the latest against the Iran-backed organization for its targeting of Red Sea commerce, following a larger round of strikes the day before.
The Houthis, who govern the most populated areas of Yemen, have stated that their attacks are in sympathy with Palestinians as Israel bombs Gaza. The attacks have hampered global trade and raised concerns that the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict could destabilize the Middle East.
“US forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region,” the US Central Command said in a statement.
“US forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense.”
Since January 11, when the US began targeting Houthi military locations in Yemen, the Pentagon claims to have destroyed or degraded over 25 missile launch and deployment facilities, as well as more than 20 missiles.
It claims to have also targeted drones, coastal radar, Houthi air surveillance capabilities, and military storage facilities.
“We have been quite focused on targeting the types of things that they’ve been employing or using to conduct attacks on international commerce.
Ryder observed that the most recent Houthi attack occurred on January 18, implying that the strikes were effective.
“Since that time we have taken several self-defense strikes, when there was an imminent threat or an anticipated launch,” he went on to say.
According to experts, Biden’s evolving Yemen strategy attempts to undermine Houthi fighters but does not attempt to defeat the group or aggressively face Iran, the Houthis’ principal patron.
The plan, which combines limited military operations and sanctions, appears to be geared at punishing the Houthis while reducing the risk of a larger Middle East confrontation.
