US Forces Neutralize Houthi Missile Threats off Yemen Coast

US forces destroyed multiple Houthi threats, including anti-ship missiles and a ground control station, in Yemen, as well as an unmanned surface vessel in the Red Sea, as per US Central Command. Regional tensions remain high following attacks on vessels and influential leaders in the Middle East.

US forces neutralized key Houthi threats, destroying two anti-ship cruise missiles and a ground control station in Yemen, according to US Central Command. An unmanned surface vessel in the Red Sea was also taken out in the operation, the command confirmed in a Thursday press release.

'These weapons posed a clear and imminent threat to US and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels in the region. The reckless behavior of Iranian-backed Houthis continues to jeopardize regional stability and security,' the statement emphasized. USCENTCOM oversees regions stretching between European, African, and Indo-Pacific Commands.

Meanwhile, the UK's maritime security issued a second alert on Friday after a vessel off Yemen's coast was targeted with a missile and rocket-propelled grenade attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that the vessel and its crew are safe and proceeding to the next port, urging others to transit the area with caution.

Heightened alerts follow recent significant killings: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran and Hezbollah's top military leader Faud Shukr on July 30 in Beirut. The Houthi rebels continue to launch missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, prompted by Israel's October 7 counter-offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

US Maritime Administration records show over 50 Houthi attacks on shipping, causing casualties, vessel seizures, and disruptions to global trade routes. As a result, shipping firms reroute, impacting about 12 percent of global trade across the Red Sea. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin instructed more fighter jets and Navy ships to West Asia, with CENTCOM announcing the arrival of F-22 fighter jets on August 8. General Michael Kurilla recently returned to Israel to meet with defense officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)