Israel: We intercepted a missile launched from the Red Sea

The Israeli army announced on Friday, February 2, that the country's Arrow air defense system successfully intercepted a ground-to-ground missile fired towards Israeli territory over the Red Sea. The army's statement did not provide details about the origin of the launch. Houthi militants affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea with a wave of drones and missiles since November 19, in response to what they call 'Israel's military operations in Gaza.' The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced yesterday that on Thursday, February 1, it had thwarted at least three sabotage actions by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The multiple attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea have led the U.S. and the U.K. to conduct airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. These attacks have disrupted international trade on the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia, forcing some shipping companies to reroute their vessels. The U.S. believes that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has assisted in planning and executing the Houthis' missile and drone attacks. However, the Islamic Republic denies any involvement in this matter. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that commanders from the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah are present in Yemen and are assisting the Houthis in their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. In contrast, the Houthis have denied any assistance from the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah. The U.S. has announced that in response to the Houthis' attacks, it will add them to its list of terrorist groups. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated on February 1 at a press conference that the ongoing threats from Iran-backed militia groups, including the Houthis' attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, represent a 'dangerous' moment in the Middle East. Austin added that while efforts are being made to prevent broader conflict, any necessary actions will be taken to defend U.S. interests and people, and responses will be made at the chosen time and manner. Claims from the Houthis of Yemen: We targeted a British ship in the Red Sea. Lloyd Austin: The attack on the U.S. base in Jordan was carried out by Iranian proxy groups. The Yemeni Foreign Minister: The European Union must increase pressure on the Houthis. The U.S. and U.K. defense ministers discussed the 'escalation of attacks by militia groups aligned with the Iranian government.' Josep Borrell announced the EU's mission in the Red Sea to protect commercial ships from Houthi attacks. Report: What groups are included in the 'Iranian resistance axis'? Denmark joins the U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea. A British warship destroyed a Houthi drone supported by the Islamic Republic.