U.S. military executes precise airstrikes on Houthi weapon sites in Yemen, aiming to secure Red Sea shipping lanes and address regional tensions.
At a Glance
- U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen
- Strikes targeted advanced conventional weapons used by Iran-backed Houthis
- Operations aimed to degrade Houthi ability to threaten regional partners and vessels
- U.S. Navy and Air Force assets engaged and defeated multiple Houthi-launched weapons
- Strikes are part of increased military effort by Biden administration in response to Houthi attacks
U.S. Military Takes Action Against Houthi Threats
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched a series of precision airstrikes against Houthi weapon storage facilities in Yemen. These military actions, carried out on November 9-10, targeted advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The operations involved U.S. Air Force and Navy assets, including the advanced F-35C fighter jet, demonstrating America’s commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
CENTCOM’s strikes were a direct response to increasing Houthi attacks on international commercial shipping and military vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. These vital waterways are crucial for global trade, and the Houthi’s aggressive actions have posed a significant threat to maritime security.
Defending Against Multiple Threats
In a display of military prowess, U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, along with U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft, successfully engaged and defeated a variety of Houthi-launched weapons in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The American forces neutralized eight one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and four anti-ship cruise missiles, all without sustaining any injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted multiple precision strikes against two Iranian-backed Houthi underground Advanced Conventional Weapon (ACW) storage facilities within Houthi-controlled territories of Yemen,” CENTCOM stated.
These operations underscore the U.S. military’s capability to counter multiple threats simultaneously and protect American interests in the region. The strikes are part of a broader strategy to maintain freedom of navigation and commerce in these critical waterways.
Increased Military Efforts and Regional Implications
The recent airstrikes represent an escalation in the Biden administration’s military efforts against the Houthi rebels. In December alone, the U.S. conducted at least three strikes on Houthi targets and successfully countered two attempted Houthi strikes on naval and merchant ships. This increased military activity comes in response to a surge in Houthi aggression, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
The Houthi attacks have not only targeted shipping lanes but have also extended to missile launches against Israel, affecting air transport in the region. This expansion of the conflict has raised concerns about potential further military involvement and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
March 20 Daily Red Sea Update
Between 10:10 a.m. and 7:40 p.m.
(Sanaa time,) on March 20, a coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle and United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel, both… pic.twitter.com/KdK3BhHLc5— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 21, 2024
Is Biden right to be deploying U.S. weapons abroad? Especially as we prepare to welcome in a new presidency?
