US military intercepted two anti-ship cruise missiles launched by the Yemeni Houthi rebels’ Ansar Allah movement in the Red Sea over the past 24 hours. The announcement was made by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on their social media platform.
According to CENTCOM, the interception of these missiles was carried out in self-defense as they posed a direct threat to commercial vessels and US Navy ships in the region. The incident occurred at 20:00 local time on March 4th.
Additionally, between 15:50 and 16:15, the Houthis launched two more anti-ship cruise missiles towards a container ship flying the Liberian flag. One of the vessels sustained damage, but there were no casualties reported. The container ship did not request assistance and continued on its designated course.
Following the escalation of the conflict between the Palestinian Hamas movement and Israel, the Ansar Allah movement announced that it would continue targeting Israeli territories and prevent any vessels associated with Israel from passing through the waters of the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait until the military operation in the Gaza sector is concluded.
Previously, the Houthis had declared their intention to attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea every 12 hours.
[Context:
It is important to note that the Ansar Allah movement, commonly referred to as the Houthis, is a rebel group operating in Yemen. They have been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Yemeni government and have received support from Iran, which has raised concerns among US and regional allies.
The interception of these missiles highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis to regional stability and maritime security. The United States, along with its allies, has been actively involved in efforts to counter the Houthis and their destabilizing activities.
The Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are strategically important waterways, facilitating the transportation of goods and energy resources between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Any disruption in these waters can have significant economic consequences and impact global trade.
The US military’s interception of these missiles demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of commercial vessels and its naval assets in the region. This incident also underscores the need for continued international cooperation in addressing the root causes of the Yemeni conflict and finding a peaceful resolution.]
