U.S. Strikes Huthi Target in Yemen Following Attack on British Oil Tanker

In a recent escalation of tensions, U.S. forces conducted a strike on an anti-ship missile in Huthi-held Yemen, which was reportedly ready to launch. This action comes after Iran-backed Huthi rebels targeted a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire with a similar missile. The U.S. and British forces are collaborating on joint strikes to diminish the Huthis’ capability to target vessels in the crucial Red Sea trade route. The rebels claim these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where conflict persists with Israel. Despite previous unilateral air raids by the U.S., the Huthis remain defiant, vowing to continue their assaults.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the latest strike on a Huthi anti-ship missile aimed at the Red Sea. Forces successfully destroyed the missile in what they described as self-defense. The previous day, the British oil tanker Marlin Luanda was hit by missiles from Yemeni naval forces, prompting a distress call and reporting of damages. The U.S. Navy’s USS Carney and coalition ships responded to the incident, rendering assistance with no reported injuries. The Huthis’ targeting of Red Sea shipping began in November, initially directed at vessels linked to Israel and later expanding to include U.S. and British interests as legitimate targets.