US military destroys seven anti-ship missiles, drones from Houthi area in Yemen

The US military said on Monday it destroyed seven anti-ship missiles, three drones and three weapons storage containers in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

“It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region,” the US military’s Central Command said in a statement on the social media site X.

Just two days prior, the US shot down a drone fired by the Houthis toward the Red Sea and destroyed more of its weaponry.

The flurry of Houthi attacks, including a deadly assault on a bulk carrier last week and the sinking of a ship carrying thousands of tonnes of fertilizer, have triggered reprisal strikes by US and British forces.

Such exchanges have become a frequent occurrence in the area, sending shipping insurance costs soaring and prompting many firms to detour around the southern tip of Africa.

The Houthis say they are targeting Israel-linked shipping as part of an “axis of resistance” of Iran allies and proxies, in protest at Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

With Reuters