Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched an anti-ship cruise missile towards the Red Sea, confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The missile, fired on Tuesday (January 30) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, was intercepted and shot down by the USS Gravely (DDG 107), a US Navy missile destroyer. The officials also informed that there were no reported injuries or damage resulting from the incident.
According to a statement released by CENTCOM, it was disclosed that the missile launch occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. (Sanaa time) on January 30. This marks yet another hostile action by the Iran-backed Houthis, who recently targeted the US Ship Maersk Detroit with three anti-ship ballistic missiles while it was transiting the Gulf of Aden.
The statement also aaded that the USS Gravely successfully intercepted and shot down two of the missiles, while the third impacted the sea.
US and UK carry out additional strikes against Houthi targets
The escalation of hostilities prompted additional strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen by the US and UK, as reported by CNN. The joint operation targeted eight sites, aimed at disrupting the rebels’ infrastructure.
The strikes, conducted with the support of Canada, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Australia, resulted in the destruction of missiles, weapons storage facilities, and drone systems. Both military and defense officials hailed the operation as successful.
Yemen’s Houthis pledge to continue to target US, UK warships in self defense
Meanwhile, the group’s military spokesperson in a statement carried by Al-Massirah TV on Wednesday (January 31) informed that they are going to continue targeting US and British warships in the Red Sea in self defense.
The incidents highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, exacerbated by the Houthi rebels’ continued aggression and their association with Iran.