The Red Sea has become the center of a growing crisis as the United States carries out strikes against Houthi targets.
On March 12, between 2:00 and 4:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen into the Red Sea, targeting the USS Laboon.
The missile did not strike the vessel, and no injuries or damage were reported, according to US Central Command (Centcom).
United States Central Command and a coalition vessel successfully engaged and destroyed two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
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“It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels,” said Centcom.
The crisis in the Red Sea has escalated during the holy month of Ramadan, with the Houthi group vowing to increase their operations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This declaration set the stage for a series of strikes carried out by the United States against Houthi targets.
According to Centcom, the US carried out six strikes in self-defense against Houthi targets on Monday afternoon and evening. The strikes targeted an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles belonging to the Houthis.
Centcom stated that these weapons posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US navy ships in the region, and the strikes were conducted to protect freedom of navigation and ensure safer international waters.
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Yemen’s internationally recognized government reported that the US airstrikes hit port cities and small towns in western Yemen, resulting in at least 11 deaths and 14 injuries. However, the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sare’e, denied any casualties and stated that they would continue their military operations during Ramadan, targeting merchant and warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have had significant consequences, disrupting global shipping and forcing companies to reroute their vessels on longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. The attacks have also raised concerns about the potential destabilization of the wider Middle East, particularly with the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
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