Barran Press
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that its forces carried out successful strikes last week against a Houthi surface-to-air missile launcher and its associated radar, which posed a threat to U.S. aircraft and coalition forces.
In a statement published on social media platform X and observed by "Barran Press," CENTCOM detailed that the strikes also targeted ground control stations for Houthi drones, which have been used to direct attacks against U.S. forces, coalition partners, and international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The statement did not specify dates or locations for these defensive strikes for operational security reasons. However, it noted that on October 16, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on several Houthi weapon depots supported by Iran.
These depots were reported to contain various advanced conventional weapons used to target military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The strikes aimed at fortified underground Houthi facilities, which were said to house missiles, weapon components, and munitions used for regional maritime attacks.
The U.S. Air Force deployed B-2 Spirit bombers among other air and naval assets in these operations. CENTCOM reported that these operations resulted in the destruction of 20 unmanned aerial systems (OWAUAS) and land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs) in its area of responsibility.
These weapons, supplied by Iran, have been intermittently launched by the Houthi group, which is designated as a terrorist organization, and by other Iran-aligned militias. Over several days, these systems posed significant risks to the U.S. and its allies, as well as to civilians in the region.
CENTCOM confirmed that no U.S. personnel were harmed during these operations and that American and coalition forces remain on high alert to defend U.S. interests and those of allies in the region.
On the evening of October 4, CENTCOM reported that its forces struck 15 Houthi targets in areas controlled by the group. According to the CENTCOM statement, these targets included the offensive military capabilities of Iran-backed Houthis.
These actions are part of efforts to protect maritime freedom and ensure that international waters are secure for U.S. and coalition ships, as well as for commercial vessels.
Earlier on Friday, U.S. aircraft conducted 15 airstrikes on Houthi positions in the provinces of Sana'a (north), Al-Hudaydah (west), Al-Bayda, and Dhamar (central). Houthi media reported that U.S.-British airstrikes targeted a maintenance camp in northern Sana'a, while multiple strikes hit areas in Al-Hudaydah, including the airport.
These attacks follow Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports and power stations in Al-Hudaydah, responding to missile strikes launched by the rebels against Tel Aviv.
Since November, the Iran-backed Houthi group has launched missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. In response, U.S. and British forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi positions since January 12, with the U.S. military carrying out periodic strikes on missiles and drones identified as ready for launch.