The US Central Command announced on Wednesday that its forces successfully destroyed an explosive-laden and remotely operated boat in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. This comes as the Yemeni militia continues to threaten an escalation of their attacks on Red Sea ships unless Israel ends its assault on Gaza.
According to the US military statement, the uncrewed surface vessel was destroyed at around 1:52 p.m. on Tuesday in Yemen after it was deemed a threat to US and allied forces, as well as international commercial and naval ships in international waters near Yemen.
In response, the Houthis in Yemen claimed that both the US and UK carried out an attack in Ras Essa on the Red Sea on Tuesday, though they did not provide specific details on the target or the extent of the damage.
Over the past seven months, the Houthis have targeted commercial ships, launched drones and ballistic missiles at various ships in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, with a focus on ships associated with Israel and those bound for Israel. This campaign is aimed at pressuring Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Additionally, targets linked to the US and UK have been added to their list following military strikes by these nations in Yemen.
Warnings from the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations have advised caution for ships passing through the Indian Ocean after reports of a drone attack on a commercial ship southeast of Yemen. The crew and vessel were reported safe, with the ship continuing to its next port of call.
The Houthi Supreme Political Council issued a warning to the US against further strikes on Houthi-controlled regions in retaliation for the militia’s recent increase in ship attacks. Houthi leader Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi also issued a warning, stating that Yemen’s military capabilities are substantial and would be used to counter any future US military strikes.
The Houthis are aware of the potential for increased bombings in response to their actions and have vowed to respond with their own military capabilities.
