The U.S. military forces took action in Yemen on Tuesday, destroying four anti-ship missiles that posed a threat to both civilian and military vessels in the region. The strikes were targeted against Huthi rebels, who are backed by Iran and have been responsible for numerous attacks on merchant vessels in the crucial Red Sea shipping lane. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the missiles were prepared for launch from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen and posed an imminent threat.
This incident marks at least the third time in less than a week that the United States has conducted strikes against the Huthis. In a coordinated effort with Britain, nearly 30 sites in Yemen were targeted, with over 150 munitions used. The subsequent strikes by U.S. forces targeted a Huthi radar site, characterized as a follow-up action related to the previous attacks.
The Huthi rebels, with backing from Iran, have been launching attacks against merchant vessels in the Red Sea. They justify these attacks by claiming support for Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in conflict with the militant group Hamas. The Huthis have declared U.S. and British interests as legitimate targets, continuing their assaults on ships in the Red Sea.
CENTCOM reported that on Tuesday, the Huthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes. A Maltese-flagged bulk carrier reported being hit but remained seaworthy. This ongoing threat to maritime traffic in the region prompted the U.S. military to take preventive action.
In a significant development, CENTCOM mentioned that American forces intercepted Iranian-made missile parts that were en route to the Huthis. The seizure took place from a boat in the Arabian Sea during an operation last week. This marks the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons (ACW) destined for the Huthis since November 2023 when the rebels began their attacks against merchant ships.
The U.S. response comes amid rising tensions in the region, with the Huthis targeting shipping lanes and challenging the international community. Last month, in response to the escalating threats, the United States established a multinational naval task force to safeguard Red Sea shipping. The Red Sea is a vital transit route that carries up to 12 percent of global trade. U.S. forces have been actively intercepting missiles and drones launched from Yemen in recent weeks.
The Huthis claim that they have been targeting vessels linked to Israel. However, the U.S. government has countered this assertion, stating that ships attacked by the rebels have connections to dozens of countries.
The situation in Yemen remains complex, with ongoing conflict, humanitarian crises, and regional power dynamics at play. The Huthis, with support from Iran, have been a key player in the Yemeni civil war, which has lasted for several years. The involvement of external actors, including Iran and the United States, has further complicated efforts to find a resolution to the conflict.
The recent military actions by the U.S. in response to Huthi threats underscore the importance of securing maritime routes and preventing attacks on vessels. As tensions persist in the region, the international community faces the challenge of maintaining stability and addressing the root causes of conflicts in Yemen. The Red Sea, with its strategic significance, continues to be a focal point of geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
