Barran Press
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, the destruction of two boats belonging to the Houthi militia, designated as a terrorist group by the international community, in the Red Sea over the past 24 hours.
In a statement on X, seen by "Barran Press", CENTCOM stated, "Over the past 24 hours, US Central Command forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi boats in the Red Sea."
The statement further categorized the boats as a "clear and direct threat" to US forces, coalition forces (Operation Sentinel), and commercial vessels in the region.
Since November 2023, the Houthi militia, internationally recognized as a terrorist group, has launched attacks using missiles and drones against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and forced many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis, the US-led Operation Sentinel, which includes significant British participation, began airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The militia, in turn, expanded its operations to target vessels linked to Washington and London, as per their own announcements.
The destruction of the Houthi boats by CENTCOM signifies a continued effort to counter the group's maritime activities and protect regional stability. This incident underscores the ongoing tension in the Red Sea and the broader conflict in Yemen, highlighting the complex dynamics between international actors and the Houthi militia.