WASHINGTON: In the latest development amid escalating tensions, the US military conducted a new strike in Yemen targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles of the Houthi group, Reuters reported citing two anonymous US officials. The strike, which took place on Tuesday, specifically aimed at four anti-ship missiles and was not previously reported.
This move comes in response to continued Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, even after President Joe Biden ordered an initial round of strikes last week to degrade the Houthi capabilities. The Houthi group control a significant portion of Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Houthi Justifies Red Sea Attacks
The Houthis have justified their attacks on commercial ships as a means of supporting Palestinians during Israel’s brutal bombardment in Gaza. Despite the previous strikes by the US and British forces, the Houthis have pledged to broaden their targets in the Red Sea region, explicitly including US ships.
The US military confirmed that on Monday, the US-owned and operated dry bulk ship, Gibraltar Eagle, was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces.
