The US military announced on Wednesday that it successfully intercepted and destroyed an inbound anti-ship ballistic missile along with two drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen toward the Red Sea.
According to US Central Command, no injuries or damage were reported in the incident. In addition to neutralizing the missile and drones, CENTCOM forces also eliminated a mobile surface-to-air missile system within Houthi-controlled territory during the same timeframe.
This interception comes in the wake of a series of drone and missile attacks initiated by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea back in November. The Red Sea serves as a critical route for global trade, making such attacks a matter of significant concern.
The attacks by the Houthis were reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. In response to these provocations, both US and British military forces have undertaken retaliatory strikes against the Houthis.
Consequently, the Houthis have declared that American and British interests are legitimate targets for their attacks, escalating tensions in the region.