US launches strike in 'self-defence' against two Houthi 'uncrewed surface vehicles' in Yemen

The United States military launched a “self-defence” strike against two Houthi-explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) on Monday, officials said. The US forces said the explosive were identified in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined to present an “imminent threat” to the US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. “These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy vessels and merchant vessels,” the US Central Command said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

CENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes

On Feb. 5, at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV).

U.S. forces identified the explosive USVs in Houthi-controlled areas of… pic.twitter.com/WMntzJOnw6

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 6, 2024

The strike was conducted around 3:30 pm (Sanaa time) on Monday. However, there was no update by the authorities on whether the USVs were destroyed or if there were any casualties. On Sunday, the US forces carried out two strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, including a strike against our anti-ship cruise missiles, all of which were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea, the US Central Command said. Houthis constant attacks on commercial ships have largely affected global shipping industry and supplies. The US and coalition forces in the region have begun to take a more aggressive posture against Iran-backed terrorist group. Houthis have said the attacks are in response to Israel’s war with Hamas. In addition to the Houthis, the US has launched strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria that have initiated dozens of attacks on US troops in the region. With inputs from agencies