Houthis fire 2 missiles toward Bab al-Mandab Strait: US

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Yemen’s Houthi group fired two missiles toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Monday.

"On Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 3:45 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired two missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Bab al-Mandab,” CENTCOM said on X.

"Both missiles were launched toward MV Star Iris, a Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel transiting the Red Sea carrying corn from Brazil," it said, adding the ship reports being seaworthy with minor damage and no injuries to the crew.

"Of note, the MV Star Iris’s destination is Bandar Imam Khomeini, Iran," it said.

The Houthis have targeted vessels in the southern Red Sea, warning that it will attack all Israeli-bound ships. It said the attacks are meant to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission – Operation Prosperity Guardian – to counter the Houthi attacks.