US strikes Houthi anti-ship missile in Red Sea

The US said on Saturday it conducted a self-defence strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile in the Red Sea.

“U.S. Conducts Self-defence Strike Against Houthi Anti-ship Missile On Jan. 27 at approximately 3:45 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a strike against a Houthi antiship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.

US forces determined that the missile presented an ‘imminent threat’ to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, it added.

It said US forces destroyed the missile in self-defence. “This action will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels,” it added.

Tensions have escalated in the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships that allegedly have links with Israel.

The Houthis said the attacks are to pressure Israel to halt its deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

The US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in recent days in retaliation for the attacks, which have created fears of a new bout of inflation and supply chain disruption.

In December, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.

Meanwhile, Houthis reported fresh airstrikes by the US and its allied British forces on the western province of Hodeidah on Saturday.

The Houthi-run satellite channel Al-masirah reported that ‘the American-british aggression targeted the Ras Issa area in Hodeidah Governorate with two raids’.