US Military Conducts New Round of Strikes on Houthi Rebels in Yemen

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The United States has conducted a series of strikes targeting infrastructure controlled by Houthi rebels in Yemen following an attack on a merchant ship.

In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, “In the past 24 hours, CENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea. Additionally, CENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea. Separately, CENTCOM forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi radars in a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen. These radars allow the Houthis to target maritime vessels and endanger commercial shipping.” CENTCOM added, “It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.”

Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) stand watch in the ship’s Combat Information Center during an operation to defeat a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, Oct. 19. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau)

CENTCOM also acknowledged that one sailor from the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned cargo ship Tutor remains missing following a Houthi drone boat attack. The ship’s crew was rescued by the USS Philippine Sea and partner forces, but the vessel continues to take on water. According to the Philippine News Agency, the missing sailor is Filipino, with most of the Tutor’s 22 crew members hailing from the Philippines. Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing sailor.

The strikes are part of the US Navy’s efforts to counter the Houthi attacks on commercial ships transiting through the Red Sea. Since November, the Houthis have conducted over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in three fatalities, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another. The Houthis claim their attacks are aimed at pushing for Israel to end the war in Gaza. However, these assaults frequently target vessels and sailors unrelated to the war, affecting cargo and energy shipments between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014, did not acknowledge the strikes or any losses.