The Daily Star Ireland
The United States conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa, targeting a missile storage center and a command-and-control facility. During the operation, U.S. forces also intercepted and destroyed several Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
In a statement, CENTCOM explained that these deliberate strikes aimed to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, specifically those involving attacks on U.S. Navy warships and commercial vessels. The action underscores CENTCOM’s commitment to protecting U.S. and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping routes.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have frequently targeted merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming these vessels are linked to Israel and expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7 of the previous year. These attacks have led to retaliatory strikes by both the United States and Britain.
The recent U.S. strikes on Sanaa followed a Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv, which injured 16 people, marking the second such strike in recent days. In response, the Houthi rebels vowed to continue their assaults on Israel until the Gaza Strip siege is lifted and the aggression ceases.
