The US Central Command (USCENTCOM) announced early Monday, September 16, 2024, that it had destroyed a missile system belonging to the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community.

In a statement published on X, seen by "Barran Press", USCENTCOM said, "Over the past 24 hours, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed a single missile system in a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen."

The statement explained that the system posed "a clear and imminent threat to US forces, coalition forces, and commercial vessels in the region." It added that this action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for US, coalition, and commercial ships.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have continued their 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 prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. US forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi military targets on a regular basis.