The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced a series of military developments concerning US activities against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, as well as the attacks carried out by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
According to CENTCOM, “On February 19th, between 12:30 and 1:50 PM, two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) were launched by Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen towards the M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, American-owned grain carrier in the Gulf of Aden. The ship sustained minor damages, and no injuries were reported. The vessel continued on to its scheduled destination to deliver grains to Aden, Yemen.
A ground-to-air missile launcher was located and destroyed by US CENTCOM forces in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen around 5 PM. An additional anti-ship ballistic missile was launched at 6:40 PM but did not hit any commercial or coalition ships.
At 7:20 PM, a kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the M/V Navis Fortuna, a US-owned bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag, causing minor damage and no injuries. The ship proceeded on its journey to Italy.
At 8:15 PM, US CENTCOM forces destroyed a UAV in Western Yemen that was ready to be launched at ships in the Red Sea. Between 8 PM on February 19th and 12:30 AM on February 20th, US and coalition fighter jets and warships shot down 10 kamikaze UAVs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Additionally, at 12:30 AM on February 20th, the USS Laboon (DDG 58) detected an incoming anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) and successfully intercepted it.
The kamikaze UAVs, the surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, and the anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) destroyed were identified by CENTCOM as imminent threats to US Naval ships and commercial vessels in the region. These actions will protect the right of free navigation and make international waters safer for US Navy and commercial ships,” CENTCOM stated in its announcement.
This detailed report highlights the ongoing efforts by CENTCOM to ensure maritime security in the face of threats from Houthi-controlled areas, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding international shipping lanes against hostile actions.
