Houthis fire missiles, drones from Yemen: US

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Yemeni Houthi group launched a combination of anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones above the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday.

"At approximately 1:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 31, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea," CENTCOM said in a statement.

The UAS crashed into the Red Sea with no injuries or damage reported by the US, coalition, or commercial ships, it said.

CENTCOM said separately that its forces "successfully" destroyed one UAS above the Gulf of Aden and three UAS over the Red Sea.

US Central Command reported no injuries or damage after the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) into the Gulf of Aden.

"It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.

"This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels," it added.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

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

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.