US says it destroyed Houthi targets in Red Sea

WASHINGTON

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday that its forces destroyed Houthi targets in the Red Sea.

"In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen over the Red Sea," CENTCOM said in a statement.

It added that two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) were also destroyed in the Red Sea.

Stressing that a coalition ship successfully engaged one UAS launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea, it said that Houthis also launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) over the Red Sea.

"There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region," it added.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.