US destroys Houthi anti-ship missile in Red Sea

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US destroyed an anti-ship missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi group in the Red Sea, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday.

"There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships," CENTCOM said on X.

CENTCOM said it determined that the missile presented a "threat" to US and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region.

"CENTCOM is dedicated to protecting the freedom of navigation and making international waters safer and more secure for 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 recently announced the creation of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.