US carries out 'self-defence strikes' against Houthis in Yemen

A military aircraft takes off from the US and British naval fleet as Yemeni local sources states that US and British warplanes have carried out airstrikes on some points in Sana’a, Hodeidah and Taiz cities during the night, at sea on January 12, 2024 [US Central Command (CENTCOM)/Anadolu Agency]

The US on Saturday carried out “self-defence strikes” against Houthi targets in Yemen, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday, Anadolu Agency reports.

“On Feb. 10, between 4 – 5 p.m., (Sanaa time) (1300-1400GMT), US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully conducted self-defence strikes against two unmanned surface vessels (USV) and three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) north of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea,” CENTCOM said on X.

The CENTCOM said it determined the targets presented an “imminent threat” to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

READ: Houthis report 3 new US, UK airstrikes against Yemen

“These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels,” it added.

Yemen’s Houthi group has targeted vessels in the southern Red Sea, warning that it will attack all Israeli-bound ships. It said the attacks are meant to support Palestinians as they face Israel’s “aggression and siege” in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission – Operation Prosperity Guardian – to counter the Houthi attacks.

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