An aircraft takes off to join the U.S.-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia that has been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, from an undisclosed location, in this screengrab from a handout video released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X
In Yemen on Tuesday, the U.S. military conducted a strike against four Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles, according to two U.S. officials. The action was taken in response to the Houthis targeting Red Sea shipping, notably the U.S.-owned Gibraltar Eagle, hit the day before by an anti-ship ballistic missile.
The officials stated that the missiles were targeted as they were being prepared to engage ships in the region. This strike reflects a departure from previous actions, indicating a proactive approach by the U.S. military in addressing detected Houthi military capabilities, contrasting with the pre-planned targets of the prior week’s strikes.
The U.S. military’s Central Command recently disclosed the seizure of advanced Iranian-manufactured ballistic missile and cruise missile components, linking them to Houthi threats against international merchant ships in the Red Sea. This development occurred during an operation on January 11, resulting in the loss of two U.S. Navy SEALs near the Somali coast.
Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping persist despite the earlier U.S. and British strikes aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities. The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, claim their actions support Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza conflict. These attacks have disrupted global shipping, raised concerns about global inflation, and heightened fears of destabilization in the Middle East stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict fallout.
Despite the recent strikes against radar and missile capabilities, the Houthi movement remains committed to ongoing attacks, with some experts speculating their willingness to engage in a conflict with the United States and its allies.
A Malta-flagged Greek-owned bulk carrier was targeted and hit in the Red Sea, northbound 76 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef, according to a security firm. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed a “direct hit” on the Zografia ship heading to Israel with naval missiles. The vessel sustained material damage, but no injuries were reported.
On Monday, the U.S.-owned Gibraltar Eagle, hit by an “unidentified projectile” while 100 miles off the Gulf of Aden, continued its journey despite a fire in one of its holds. The incident has prompted container vessels to pause or divert from the Red Sea, impacting the Suez Canal route and necessitating alternative, longer routes via the Cape of Good Hope.
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