Barran Press
On November 13, 2024, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it conducted a series of "precise" airstrikes targeting weapons storage facilities controlled by the Houthi group, which is designated as a terrorist organization, in Yemen on November 9 and 10.
In a statement released via its platform on X, CENTCOM reported that these facilities contained advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The operation involved U.S. Air Force and Navy forces, including an F-35C fighter jet. According to CENTCOM's statement, the preemptive strikes were carried out in response to the Houthis' repeated and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and U.S. vessels, aiming to reduce the group's capacity to threaten regional partners.
Additionally, the statement noted that the U.S. destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Spruance (DDG 111), along with U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft, successfully intercepted a series of Houthi weapon threats while transiting through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The U.S. forces managed to thwart multiple attacks, which included eight one-way attack drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and four anti-ship cruise missiles, thereby ensuring the safety of vessels and their crews. According to CENTCOM, there were no injuries or damages to U.S. personnel or equipment.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting American personnel, regional partners, and international shipping while maintaining security and stability in the region. CENTCOM confirmed it would remain vigilant in its efforts to safeguard navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, taking appropriate measures to counter any threats to regional stability.
Since November, the Houthis have continued their missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. In December 2023, the U.S. formed a multinational coalition to deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, while U.S. forces have intermittently conducted strikes against Houthi military targets.
Since January 12, there have been approximately 560 U.S. and British airstrikes against the Houthis, resulting in 58 deaths and 86 injuries among the group, as acknowledged by their officials.