US destroys Houthi drone, 2 ballistic missiles in Red Sea

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that its forces destroyed Yemeni Houthi targets in the Red Sea.

"Between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Sanaa time) June 1, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in the southern Red Sea," it said in a statement.

CENTCOM added that it saw two other UAS crash into the Red Sea, and no injuries or damage was reported.

"Additionally, between 7 and 11:30 p.m., USCENTCOM forces successfully engaged two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) in the southern Red Sea. The ASBM were fired in the direction of USS Gravely and were destroyed in self-defense, with no damage or injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships," it said.

CENTCOM said the systems presented an "imminent threat" to US, coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region.

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.