Barran Press
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, the destruction of two drones, a ground control station, and three missiles belonging to the Iranian-backed Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community.
In a statement posted on X, seen by Barran Press, CENTCOM stated: "Over the past 24 hours, US Central Command forces successfully destroyed two unmanned aerial vehicles and a ground control station belonging to the Houthis."
The statement also revealed that CENTCOM forces destroyed three anti-ship cruise missiles belonging to the Houthis in areas under their control in Yemen.
CENTCOM deemed these weapons "a clear and imminent threat to US and coalition forces (Guardian of Prosperity) and commercial vessels in the region."
Since November 2023, the Houthi group has launched missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, claiming they are in support of Gaza, which is facing an Israeli offensive.
The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis, the "Guardian of Prosperity" coalition, led by the United States and with significant British participation, launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis, in turn, expanded their operations to include ships linked to Washington and London.
For two weeks following the Israeli attack on Hodeidah on July 20th, no attacks were recorded by the Houthi group, which is internationally designated as a terrorist organization and supported by Iran.