US destroys Houthi UAVs, missile systems in Yemen

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Tuesday that its forces destroyed five Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and two missile systems in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in the past 24 hours.

“It was determined these systems presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X.

“These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition and merchant vessels,” it added.

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

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