Washington DC –
The United States (US) military launched another attack against the Houthi group on Friday (19/1), local time. This latest US strike targeted Houthi missile launchers in Yemeni territory, which were preparing to attack shipping in the Red Sea waters.
As reported AFP AND Al-ArabiyaWashington attempted to reduce the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthis on Saturday (1/20/2024), but the Yemen-based rebel group was still able to attack shipping in the strategic Red Sea waterway.
Despite aggressive attacks launched by the United States last week, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting merchant ships, particularly those linked to Israel, in the Red Sea.
The Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea in November last year, claiming they were attacking Israel-linked vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Subsequently, the Houthis said that US- and UK-linked ships were also legitimate targets.
On Friday (19/1), local time, the US Central Command announced that its forces launched the latest strike against three Houthi anti-ship missile launchers aimed at the southern Red Sea and were preparing to launch. The US attack was launched around 6.45pm Yemeni time.
“US forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory and concluded that the missiles posed a direct threat to US merchant ships and Navy vessels in the area. US forces then attacked and destroyed the missiles in legitimate defense,” read a statement from US Central Command, as reported Reuters.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called the attack on the Houthis a “self-defense attack.” Kirby said Friday’s attack (1/19) was the fourth preventative action taken by the U.S. military last week.
“This morning, American forces launched three successful self-defense attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen,” Kirby said, speaking to reporters.
Read the full story on the next page.
Also watch the video: Houthis say they successfully attacked US ships in the Gulf of Aden
(nvc/idh)
2024-01-20 03:34:33
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