US blames Houthis for missile attacks off Yemen coast

USA attributed this Monday to the Houthi rebels of the Yemen the latest missiles launched in the Gulf of Aden area, of which three of them hit merchant ships, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) said in a statement through the X social network.

According to the note, two ballistic missiles were fired from areas controlled by the Houthis and one of them hit a Liberian ship, which continued on its way without injuries, while the other was destroyed before reaching its target.

In another incident, a “projectile” and a cruise missile hit a German-owned Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship, which despite the damage, continued its journey without reporting any injuries.

The British Navy reported this Sunday that a ship was attacked with an “unidentified projectile” off the coast of Yemen, although it assured that the “crew members are safe.”

In response to these attacks, USCENTCOM forces destroyed an unmanned aerial system over the Gulf of Aden and neutralized two cruise missiles and a missile launcher controlled by the Houthis, the note reported.

In that sense, Central Command assured that these events present an “imminent threat to the United States,” and that these actions were taken to “make international waters safer for American, coalition and merchant vessels.” ”.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iranhave claimed responsibility for dozens of missile and drone attacks against merchant ships in the Red and Arabian Seas since mid-November, accusing them of having links to Israel, in retaliation for Israeli attacks in Gaza.

In the last two weeks, their anti-shipping actions have intensified, while the United States and the United Kingdom have increased bombings against Houthi positions in order to protect shipping in the Red Sea.