US conducts self-defence strikes against Houthi cruise missiles in Red Sea

Statement by US CENTCOM said missiles were launched by Houthis from areas of Yemen under their control and posed an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels.

A Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) launched from the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gravely against what the U.S. military describe as Houthi military targets in Yemen, February 3, 2024 | Representational image | Reuters

The United States conducted self-defence strikes on three Houthi cruise missiles in the Red Sea on Wednesday. A statement by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the missiles were launched by Houthi forces from areas of Yemen under their control and posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

The first strike was carried out at approximately 9 p.m. local time, with the second strike at around 11:30 p.m. The CENTCOM statement said that both strikes were against mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch against ships.

“CENTCOM identified these missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for the U.S. Navy and merchant vessels,” the statement added.

Earlier in February, the U.S. and the U.K. launched air and surface strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen. The strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The U.S. Navy seized Iranian-made ballistic and cruise missile components off the coast of Somalia, which were intended for the Houthis.