By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The US destroyed targets in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday.
"At approximately 9 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 14, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen," CENTCOM said in a statement.
CENTCOM said it determined that the systems presented an "imminent threat" to US and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region.
"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition and merchant vessels," it added.
Yemen’s Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7.
The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation earlier this year of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.