US Launches More Missiles on Houthi Targets in Yemen, Renews Terror Group Designation
In the fourth consecutive day of direct attacks on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States military announced that it targeted and destroyed 14 Houthi missiles “loaded to be fired.” According to the US Central Command, the missiles posed a significant threat to commercial ships and US Navy vessels in the region.
Central Command stated on Wednesday that the strikes aimed to degrade the Houthi capabilities and prevent further reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthi group, which controls most of Yemen, has been involved in attacks on ships in the region since November.
Despite facing increased assaults by the US military, Houthi spokesperson, Mohammed Abdelsalam, declared that the group would continue targeting Israeli ships and those heading toward ports in occupied Palestine. He emphasized their support for the Palestinian people.
The ongoing violence in Yemen has prompted the US to put the Houthis back on its list of specially designated global terrorists. The sanctions associated with this designation aim to cut off violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.
As the situation continues to escalate, the US has issued warnings to Iran to stop providing weapons to the Houthis and launching further military actions to prevent additional attacks. The recent spate of incidents highlights the complex challenges faced in the Middle East, with tensions spilling over from the Israel-Hamas war into multiple regional conflicts.
