The United States military has targeted radar sites operated by Yemen's Houthi rebels, following a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This action comes as the Houthis have intensified their assaults, ostensibly in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, though their targets frequently include vessels and sailors unaffiliated with the war.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the strikes destroyed seven radars within Houthi-controlled territory. These radars, according to Central Command, allowed the Houthis to target maritime vessels and posed a severe threat to commercial shipping. The specific methods used to destroy these sites were not disclosed, and Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for further details.
In addition to the radar sites, U.S. forces also neutralized two bomb-laden drone boats in the Red Sea and shot down a drone launched by the Houthis over the waterway. These actions underscore the heightened state of alert and the U.S. military's proactive measures to safeguard international shipping routes critical for global trade.
The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen's capital, Sanaa, since 2014, have not acknowledged the U.S. strikes or reported any military losses. This pattern of non-disclosure has been consistent since the U.S. began its aerial campaign against the group.
June 14 U.S. Central Command Update
In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea.
Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched… pic.twitter.com/Mm0mV9EN0i — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 15, 2024
The urgency of the U.S. military response was further highlighted by a recent attack on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier Tutor. A Houthi drone boat struck the vessel, resulting in one sailor going missing. The crew abandoned the ship and were rescued by the USS Philippine Sea and partner forces. The Tutor remains adrift in the Red Sea, slowly taking on water.
Since November, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in the deaths of three sailors, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. This series of aggressive actions has necessitated a robust response from the U.S. and its allies to ensure the safety of maritime navigation through these vital waterways.
The broader context of the conflict includes the devastating war in Gaza, which has seen more than 37,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health officials, following an assault by Hamas militants on Israel that left approximately 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage. The Houthis claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, but their actions threaten international shipping and exacerbate regional instability.
"The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third-country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza," Central Command stated. "The ongoing threat to international commerce caused by the Houthis in fact makes it harder to deliver badly needed assistance to the people of Yemen as well as Gaza."
The U.S. strikes are part of a broader effort to counter the Houthi threat in the region. The U.S. military, in coordination with international partners, has increased its presence and readiness to protect maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This coalition aims to deter further Houthi attacks and ensure the safe passage of ships through these critical shipping lanes.
The Houthis' increasing use of sophisticated weaponry, including drones and radar-guided missile systems, poses a complex challenge for the U.S. and its allies. The destruction of these systems is seen as a necessary step to reduce the immediate threat to shipping and prevent further escalation.
