The United States on Saturday launched five “self-defense” airstrikes against a series of Houthi rebel strongholds in Yemen.
The attack targeted three anti-ship missile squadrons, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV), US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday.
“This is the first observed use of UUVs by the Houthis since the offensive began on October 23,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
“CENTCOM has identified anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned submarines, and unmanned surface vessels in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and has determined that they pose an imminent threat to U.S. naval vessels and commercial vessels in the region. The action will protect civil liberties, facilitate navigation, and make the high seas safer and more secure for the U.S. Navy and commercial vessels,” the statement continued.
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The United States on Saturday launched five “self-defense” airstrikes against a series of Houthi rebel strongholds in Yemen. (Chris Sellers photo/handout via Reuters)
The United States has been conducting operations in the Red Sea and near Yemen for weeks as the Iranian-backed Houthis continue to disrupt trade through the vital strait. Since late last year, the Houthis have carried out missile and boat attacks against international transport vessels and US Navy ships.
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At a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Houthi fighters pick up vehicle-mounted heavy machine guns and attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. (Mohamed Hammoud/Getty Images)
This weekend’s attack comes nearly three weeks after a U.S. Coast Guard ship dispatched to the area “seized advanced conventional weapons and other lethal support materials.” Origin of Iran From the ship in the Arabian Sea, the ship heads to Houthi-held territory in Yemen. ”
U.S. military officials said the Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. spotted the ship, boarded it and discovered more than 200 weapons packages.
The U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. intercepted the ship in the Arabian Sea on January 28. (Centcom)
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According to CENTCOM, the shipment contained “intermediate-range ballistic missile parts, explosives, unmanned underwater/surface vehicle parts, military-grade communications and network equipment, anti-tank guided missile launcher assemblies, and other military parts.” It is said that
FOX News’ Greg Norman contributed to this report.
