The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, that it had destroyed five drones and a ballistic missile belonging to the Houthis in Yemen within the past 24 hours.

According to a statement released on X & seen by "Barran Press", CENTCOM forces successfully intercepted three Iranian-backed Houthi drones over the Gulf of Aden. They also destroyed a drone in a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, along with a drone boat, a ballistic anti-ship missile, and another drone in the Red Sea.

CENTCOM emphasized that these weapons posed a "clear and imminent threat" to US and coalition forces, as well as commercial vessels in the region. The statement condemned the "reckless and dangerous behavior" of the Houthis, which it said threatened regional stability and security.

This comes after the Houthis claimed on Sunday, August 4, 2024, that they had downed a US drone and targeted a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden. This marked a resumption of attacks after a two-week lull following an Israeli strike on the port of Hodeidah.

The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, stated that their forces had shot down an American MQ-9 drone in the airspace of Saada province (northern Yemen). They also claimed to have accurately targeted the commercial vessel "Groton" in the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed on Saturday receiving reports of two incidents off the coast of Aden (southern Yemen). The first incident occurred 170 nautical miles southwest of Aden, while the second took place 125 nautical miles east of Aden.

On Saturday evening, CENTCOM announced that its forces had destroyed a missile and a missile launcher belonging to the Houthis, who are designated as a terrorist group by several countries.

These recent developments follow a two-week period of inactivity from the Houthis in the Red Sea. Their last reported attack, targeting the vessel "Lobivia" in the Gulf of Aden, occurred on July 19, 2024, just a day before the Israeli strike on Hodeidah.

Since last November, the Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen. They claim these attacks are in support of Gaza, which is facing a "war of extermination" by Israel.

These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

In response to the Houthi attacks, the US-led "Guardians of Prosperity" coalition, which includes Britain as a key partner, launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have since expanded their operations to target vessels associated with Washington and London.