WASHINGTON

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that it had carried out strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

"These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities," CENTCOM said in a statement on X, without providing further details about the specific capabilities targeted.

The strikes were aimed at ensuring the safety of international waters and protecting freedom of navigation, making the Red Sea "safer and more secure" for US, coalition, and merchant vessels, the statement added.

The Red Sea is a critical global sea route, frequently used for oil and fuel shipments. In recent months, Houthi forces have targeted Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and the nearby Gulf of Aden, in solidarity with Gaza, which has been under an Israeli offensive since Oct. 7 last year.

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational mission designed to counter Houthi attacks in the region.