ISTANBUL

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday it " destroyed" a Houthi missile launcher and an uncrewed surface vessel in Yemen.

"Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea," it wrote on X.

The weapons presented a "clear and imminent threat" to US and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region, said CENTCOM. "This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.”

Yemen's Houthi group has been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Gaza.

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.