US Central Command Destroys Houthi Missiles and Drones Over Red Sea
Washington, DC [US], August 7 – US Central Command announced on Tuesday that it successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle and two Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen over the Red Sea.
In a statement, US Central Command said these weapons posed a ‘clear and imminent threat’ to US and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region. The statement added, ‘This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.’
Earlier on August 3, the US military destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi land attack cruise missile in Yemen. The missile was deemed an imminent threat to US and coalition forces and merchant vessels.
The region has been on high alert following the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s top military leader Faud Shukr in Beirut. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have launched numerous missile and drone attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
According to the US Maritime Administration, Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, causing casualties, vessel seizures, and disruptions to global trade routes. This has forced shipping firms to seek alternative routes, impacting about 12% of global trade that passes through the Red Sea.
On August 2, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered additional fighter jets and Navy ships to West Asia. The US is also increasing its readiness to deploy more land-based ballistic missile defenses. Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group in the region.
Doubts Revealed
US Central Command -: US Central Command is a part of the United States military that is responsible for operations in the Middle East and surrounding areas.
Houthi -: The Houthis are a group of people from Yemen who are fighting in a war. They are supported by Iran.
Drones -: Drones are flying machines that can be controlled from far away. They can be used for many things, including spying and attacking.
Red Sea -: The Red Sea is a large body of water between Africa and Asia. It is important for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.
Anti-ship ballistic missiles -: These are missiles designed to destroy ships. They can travel very fast and hit targets far away.
Merchant vessels -: Merchant vessels are ships that carry goods and products from one place to another.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group in Palestine that is involved in conflicts with Israel. They have their own military forces.
Hezbollah -: Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that has its own military forces. They are also involved in conflicts in the Middle East.
