US military destroys Houthi anti-ship missile

The Pentagon announced on Saturday, January 20 that it had “destroy” An anti-ship missile from the Houtis in a new strike described as“Self Protection” Against Yemeni rebels who repeatedly attack merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The United States launched the attacks around 4 a.m. Saturday (around 2 a.m. in Paris). “A Houthi anti-ship missile that was targeted at the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch”declared in a conversed US Military Command in the Middle East (CENTCOM).

“US forces determined that the missile posed a threat to US merchant and naval vessels in the area, and subsequently engaged and destroyed the missile.”Centcom added, describing the operation as follows“Self Protection”.

Protection of freedom of navigation

This strike was done as part of the efforts of “Protect Freedom of Navigation and Prevent Attacks on Ships at Sea”, according to the same press release. Yemeni rebels say they are targeting merchant ships “Connected to Israel” in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

American and British forces launched their first bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen on January 12. Several other attacks have since followed, including Friday by the US military against missile launchers.

Frequent attacks by the Houthis have forced many ship owners to avoid this main route for international trade.