US destroys Houthi targets in Red Sea

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US destroyed Houthi targets in Yemen, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Monday.

"Between approximately 12:15 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. (Sanaa time) on April 8, United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed an air defense system with two missiles ready to launch, a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and one unmanned aerial system launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Red Sea," CENTCOM said on X.

It added that there were no injuries or damage reported by US, coalition or commercial ships.

"Separately, at approximately 8:00 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 7, an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden where a coalition ship was escorting M/V Hope Island, a Marshall Islands flagged, U.K. owned, Italian operated cargo ship," it said, adding there were no reported injuries or damage.

This was the fifth observed missile launch against this coalition ship and M/V Hope Island, CENTCOM added.

The US is dedicated to protecting the freedom of navigation and making international waters "safer and more secure" for coalition and merchant vessels, it said.

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 the Houthi attacks.