NYREADERS.COM – The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said it has on Feb. 17, 2024 successfully conducted five self-defense strikes against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV), owned by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
“This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began on Oct. 23,” Centcom said in a statement.
Centcom identified the anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vessel, and the unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region, it said.
“These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels,” it said.
Earlier on Feb. 15, Centcom said at approximately 4:30 p.m., an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden.
The missile was headed toward MV Lycavitos, a Barbados-flagged, UK-owned and operated bulk carrier. The ship reported no injuries but very minor damage in the attack and continued its voyage, Centcom noted.
The Houthis have been attacking U.S. targets and commercial shipping in the Red Sea since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
The Houthi attacks have forced some of the world’s biggest shipping as well as oil and gas companies to suspend transit through the Red Sea, one of the most important maritime trade routes.
Since the attack, oil and LNG vessels have rerouted their sailing routes, which are longer, which triggered higher shipping costs and shipping rates. (*)
