Amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea following the outbreak of war in Gaza due to Houthi attacks on shipping vessels, the U.S. military announced on Monday that it had destroyed air defense systems and drone systems belonging to the Houthis in the Red Sea area, with no injuries or damage reported to U.S., coalition, or commercial vessels.
The U.S. Central Command stated in a press release on Tuesday morning that it had destroyed an air defense system equipped with two ready-to-launch missiles and a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Additionally, it reported that a drone launched by the Houthis from Yemen above the Red Sea had also been destroyed. The command confirmed no injuries or damage to U.S. or coalition vessels or commercial ships. It noted that this was the fifth missile launch recorded against coalition ships, including the M/V Hope Island, and emphasized that the Central Command focuses on protecting freedom of navigation and making international waters safer for coalition and commercial vessels.
The Houthis have targeted around 73 vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea with drones and missiles (according to their figures), claiming they are linked to Israel or heading to its ports, in support of Gaza, which has been subjected to intense Israeli warfare since October 7. These attacks have forced companies to shift to longer and more costly routes around Africa.
They also resulted in the sinking of a cargo ship named "Rubimar," which was carrying hazardous materials. One of the attacks led to the deaths of three sailors due to a missile strike on the ship Troja Confidence, which was flying the Barbadian flag and operated by Greece.
Furthermore, these assaults have heightened concerns that the war between Israel and Hamas could destabilize the Middle East region. The United States and Britain have conducted several joint airstrikes on Houthi positions in efforts to disrupt and weaken their capabilities that threaten freedom of navigation and risk global trade.
