U.S. Forces Strike 15 Houthi Targets in Yemen

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces on Friday conducted strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The operation, taking place at approximately 5 p.m. Sanaa time targeted Houthi offensive military capabilities in an effort to safeguard maritime security.

“These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM stated.

The strikes come in response to ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. Since November 2023, the Iranian-backed group has targeted over 100 vessels, resulting in two ships sunk and four civilian casualties. The group claims the actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Recent incidents underscore the continued threat to shipping in the region. This week, two separate attacks occurred in the Southern Red Sea. The Panama-flagged oil tanker Cordelia Moon sustained damage after it was targeted with multiple missiles and an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that struck the vessel’s port side. The bulk carrier Minoan Courage was also hit by a missile. Fortunately, no crew members were harmed in either incident.

Authorities warn that the Houthis maintain both the capability and intent to target vessels associated with the US, UK, or Israel, as well as U.S. Navy assets and coalition partners. The threat now also extends to ships belonging to companies that have been identified as having a history of making port calls to Israel.

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