Barran Press
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday, July 25, 2024, the destruction of two Houthi missiles within the past 24 hours. The missiles were reportedly mounted on launch platforms in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
CENTCOM stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), seen by Barran Press", that "over the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command forces successfully destroyed two Houthi missiles in their controlled locations." The specific location of the strikes was not disclosed.
The command added that "these weapons were assessed to pose an imminent threat to the United States, coalition forces (Operation Sentinel), and commercial vessels in the region."
CENTCOM characterized these actions as "taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure."
On Wednesday, CENTCOM announced the destruction of three Houthi missile launch platforms in Yemen within the previous 24 hours.
Since November 2023, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the UN, has continued its attacks on commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden using missiles and drones.
The group's attacks have resulted in increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.
To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. U.S. forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi military targets on an intermittent basis.
Since January 12, the U.S. and British airstrikes against the Houthis on the ground have totaled approximately 560, resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuries to 86 others, according to the Houthi group's own admission.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government argues that Western airstrikes are ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat to navigation and that the most effective solution is to support its armed forces in retaking Hodeidah, its ports, and other areas under Houthi control.
Despite the group's continued adoption of maritime attacks, only three out of 162 ships that the Houthis claim to have targeted since November have reported serious incidents or injuries.