In the past 24 hours, U.S. military forces have carried out strikes against Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the strikes destroyed two drones, a Houthi ground control station, and three anti-ship cruise missiles.
CENTCOM stated that these weapons posed a direct threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as to merchant vessels in the region. The command described the Houthi actions as “reckless and dangerous,” which threatens regional stability. However, CENTCOM did not confirm if any U.S. vessels were directly attacked.
Houthi Claims of Attacks
Earlier on Wednesday, the Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for multiple attacks. According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, drones were launched against the U.S. destroyer Cole, and ballistic missiles were fired at the U.S. destroyer Laboon.
The Houthis also claimed to have targeted the Liberia-flagged container ship Contship Ono with missiles and drones. However, Contship Management in Athens reported that the vessel was not hit, and its crew was safe.
U.S. Response and Verification
A U.S. official stated there was no evidence to support the Houthi claims about the attacks on the destroyers. CENTCOM has not provided further details on the situation but emphasised that the U.S. strikes were necessary to neutralise the imminent threats posed by the Houthis.
Impact on Maritime Shipping
The Houthi militants have been increasingly targeting ships in crucial maritime routes, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. These attacks began in November as part of the Houthis’ broader show of support for Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
As a result of these attacks, shipping companies have had to reroute their cargo, leading to longer and more costly journeys around southern Africa. This has disrupted global shipping routes and increased shipping costs.
Decrease in Attack Frequency
The frequency of Houthi attacks appeared to decrease after July 20. On that day, Israel targeted military sites near Yemen’s Hodeidah port, resulting in six deaths and over 80 injuries. This came a day after a Houthi drone strike hit Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic center.
The recent U.S. strikes in Yemen reflect ongoing tensions in the region. While the Houthis have claimed multiple attacks, U.S. officials have not confirmed these claims. The situation remains volatile, with continued impacts on global shipping and regional stability.