The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Monday that Yemen’s Houthi group launched anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the Red Sea.
According to CENTCOM, between 10:00 am and 5:20 pm (Sanaa time) on April 29, Iranian-backed Houthi forces fired three ASBMs and three UAVs from Yemen towards the Red Sea targeting the MV Cyclades, a Malta-flagged, Greece-owned vessel. However, there were no injuries and the vessel was able to continue its journey.
Additionally, CENTCOM forces intercepted and destroyed one Houthi-launched UAV heading towards the USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon in the Red Sea. This action was taken as the UAV posed an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the area.
The Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea associated with Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel, as a show of solidarity with the Gaza Strip, where Israel has killed more than 34,ooo people. This region is crucial for global shipping, particularly for oil and fuel shipments.
In response to these attacks, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational mission aimed at countering Houthi attacks in the region.
