The United States launched a new round of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen after an attempted attack on an oil tanker near the Red Sea. The new strikes also came after a Houthi missile hit an American-owned ship last week.
Over the weekend, an American destroyer shot down a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis. The USS Mason reportedly destroyed the missile headed toward the oil tanker MV Torm Thor. U.S. Central Command reported that neither the destroyer or the civilian ship were damaged in the operation.
Feb. 24 Red Sea Update
On Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. (Sanaa time), USS Mason (DDG 87) shot down one Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) launched into the Gulf of Aden from Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. The missile was likely targeting MV Torm Thor, a U.S.-Flagged,… pic.twitter.com/9Bm80Y6qKK
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 24, 2024
The oil tanker is American-flagged and owned by a U.S. company. Separately, the U.S. Navy shot down two attack drones launched by the Houthis.
Late last week the rebels hit a British-owned vessel, causing an injury and damage to the MV Islander.
Over the weekend, the United States announced strikes on 18 strikes in Yemen in cooperation with the United Kingdom. U.S. Central Command said that the action destroyed a number of drones and related sites.
The recent round of attacks represents the fourth major strike since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
Last week the Houthis shot down an American drone.
The Houthis announced last week that it would accelerate their attacks on ships coming in and out of the Red Sea. The rebels were recently relisted as a terrorist organization by Washington after the Biden administration removed them from the list several years ago.
The Houthis are attacking the ships in the region following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last October. The group is being supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is also aiding Hamas and the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah.
Since the start of the war, the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks against military and civilian vessels headed to or from the Suez Canal. This has led to several strikes, as well as one ship and its crew being held hostage.
