The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of four drones operated by the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen on May 22.
In a statement on the social media platform X, CENTCOM detailed the operation that at about 3:16 p.m. (Sana’a time) on May 22, US Central Command forces successfully engaged four unmanned aerial systems in a region controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.”
The statement highlighted that these drones posed an imminent threat to US and coalition forces, as well as commercial vessels in the area.
It add that these actions were taken to safeguard freedom of navigation and enhance the safety of international waters for US, coalition, and commercial ships.
This announcement follows a series of six airstrikes conducted by US and British fighter jets on Houthi positions at Hodeidah International Airport, located south of the coastal city of Hodeidah on the Red Sea, according to a local authority source cited by Sputnik.
Since November, the Houthis have been launching attacks in the Red Sea targeting Israeli vessels or ships bound for Israel, in what they claim is support for the Palestinian people and Gaza.
In response, the United States and its allies have formed a military coalition to address Houthi strikes, conducting multiple air raids on various locations in Yemen.
Additionally, the US military carries out independent operations in the region, separate from any maritime coalition.
