The United States conducted airstrikes on two Houthi sea drones in Yemen, targeting the Iran-backed group’s vessels. The strikes occurred around 3:30 p.m. Yemen time on Monday as part of a series of actions against Houthi positions since mid-January.
The Houthis, controlling significant areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the port of Hodeida, have been using explosive-laden boats, missiles, and airborne drones to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The U.S. military stated that the uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) were identified in Houthi-controlled areas, posing an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.
Two Explosive Drone Boats (Credits: Air & Space Forces Magazine)
The strikes are part of the U.S. efforts to degrade Houthi military capabilities. The militant group, supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel, began its assaults in mid-November, targeting ships in the Red Sea.
On Tuesday, the Houthis claimed to have targeted two more ships in the southern Red Sea. The Morning Tide, a small U.K.-operated container ship, experienced an explosion around 3:19 a.m. local time, resulting in steel fragments on its deck.
Another vessel, the Star Nasia, described as a commodity carrier, was also reportedly targeted. The Houthis have expressed their intention to continue attacking vessels until Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip.
The situation reflects the ongoing conflict in the region, with the U.S. aiming to counter Houthi threats to maritime security.
The attacks on Houthi-controlled areas demonstrate the U.S. commitment to safeguarding its interests and ensuring the protection of naval and merchant assets in the strategically significant Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
