US Navy neutralises surface vessels, anti-ship cruise missiles & UAV in Houthi-controlled Yemen

US military said the weapons were prepared to launch and were over Red Sea when they were identified as an imminent threat to commercial shipping and US Navy ships in the region.

Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea | Houthi Military Media/Handout via Reuters/File Photo

U.S. Navy Central Command said Monday that it destroyed three unmanned surface vessels, two mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and a one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

It stated that the actions taken were to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels.

The U.S. military said the weapons were prepared to launch and were over the Red Sea when they were identified as an imminent threat to commercial shipping and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

The U.S. Navy Central Command destroyed the weapons between 4:45 p.m. and 11:45 a.m. local time.

The command also said that two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched at 8:15 p.m. toward the Navis Fortuna, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned, bulk carrier heading for Italy. One anti-ship cruise missile was also shot down by U.S. forces.