CENTCOM's Day of Engagement with Houthi Rebels in Yemen, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden; At Least 7 Threats Neutralized

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces neutralized at least 7 threats from Houthi rebels supported by the Islamic Republic on land and at sea on Monday, August 7. According to CENTCOM, U.S. military forces destroyed three Houthi unmanned aerial systems (drones) over the Gulf of Aden and one drone in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. Additionally, CENTCOM forces separately targeted and destroyed an unmanned surface vessel (drone ship), a drone, and a ballistic anti-ship missile launched by the Houthis in the Red Sea. CENTCOM described these weapons as a clear threat to commercial vessels in the region and emphasized that the dangerous behavior of the Iran-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security. The Houthis began their near-daily attacks on vessels in the region in November 2023, prompting the United States and the United Kingdom to conduct several rounds of airstrikes in Yemen to destroy their infrastructure. Following these attacks, which resulted in the deaths of several sailors and disrupted global trade, the United States re-designated the Houthis as a global terrorist organization last winter. A missile attack on a commercial ship near Yemen was confirmed, with no damage reported. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia exerted pressure, leading to Russia's retreat; the Houthis were deprived of military supplies. CENTCOM reported the destruction of a Houthi missile and launcher. The U.S. sanctioned several individuals and entities for supporting Houthi arms supplies. Biden emphasized the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to Israel's security against the threats posed by the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups.