US Forces Destroy Houthi Missiles and Vessel in Yemen
United States forces have successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Additionally, US forces destroyed a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel in the Red Sea.
Threat to Regional Stability
CENTCOM stated that these weapons posed a clear and imminent threat to US and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels in the region. The statement highlighted the ongoing threat to regional stability and security posed by the Iranian-backed Houthis.
UK Issues Incident Alert
The UK’s maritime security agency issued a second incident alert following a missile attack on a vessel off the coast of Yemen. The vessel was targeted by attackers in two fast boats who fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at the ship. The missile exploded near the vessel, which was traveling 45 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Red Sea port city of al-Makha (Mocha). The vessel and crew were reported safe, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) warned other vessels to transit with caution.
Heightened Alert in West Asia
The region is on heightened alert following the killing 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.
Impact on Global Trade
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 approximately 12% of global trade that traverses the Red Sea.
US Military Response
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. On August 8, CENTCOM announced the arrival of F-22 fighter jets to its area of responsibility. Army General Michael Kurilla, the top commander of US military forces in West Asia, returned to Israel to meet with defense officials.
Doubts Revealed
US Forces -: US Forces are the military soldiers and equipment from the United States of America.
Houthi -: Houthi is a group of people in Yemen who are fighting against the government. They are supported by Iran.
Missiles -: Missiles are weapons that can fly long distances to hit targets. They are very powerful and dangerous.
Vessel -: A vessel is another word for a ship or boat.
Yemen -: Yemen is a country in the Middle East, near Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.
Iranian-backed -: Iranian-backed means supported by Iran, a country in the Middle East.
Anti-ship cruise missiles -: Anti-ship cruise missiles are special missiles designed to destroy ships.
Ground control station -: A ground control station is a place where people control drones or other unmanned vehicles from the ground.
Uncrewed surface vessel -: An uncrewed surface vessel is a boat that operates without people on it, often controlled remotely.
US Central Command -: US Central Command is a part of the US military that oversees operations in the Middle East and nearby areas.
Coalition forces -: Coalition forces are military groups from different countries working together.
UK -: UK stands for the United Kingdom, a country in Europe.
Alert -: An alert is a warning to be careful or prepared for danger.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group in Palestine that often fights with Israel.
Hezbollah -: Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that also fights with Israel and is supported by Iran.
F-22 fighter jets -: F-22 fighter jets are advanced military airplanes used by the US Air Force for combat.
West Asia -: West Asia is another name for the Middle East, a region that includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen.
