The U.S. Destroys 9 Houthi Drones and Missiles as an 'Imminent Threat'

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that it had destroyed 9 Houthi drones and missiles. According to the statement, CENTCOM forces destroyed four drones and two mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were ready to be launched from Houthi-controlled areas towards the Red Sea around 5 PM on Thursday, February 23, local time in Sanaa. The statement further added that from 3:30 AM to 5 AM on Friday, CENTCOM forces shot down three Houthi suicide drones near commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea, with no damage reported to the ships. CENTCOM identified these Houthi weapons as an 'imminent threat' to commercial vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region, stating that their destruction was aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and making international waters safer for ships present in the area. The continued U.S. attacks on the Houthis come as Bloomberg reported on Thursday, February 23, citing several informed sources, that this Iran-backed group is strengthening its military and defensive capabilities to continue attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea. Houthi rebels, supported by the Iranian government, have repeatedly attacked ships around Yemen in recent months. Houthi actions against commercial vessels, which have caused insecurity in maritime trade in the Red Sea, have faced military responses from the U.S. and some of its allies. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department announced last week that it had once again placed the Houthis on the list of 'specially designated global terrorists' due to their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, effective from Friday, February 17. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed on February 6 that the Iran-backed Houthis are using Iranian-made missiles and drones against military and civilian targets across the Middle East. Four Middle Eastern nationals are being tried in the U.S. for attempting to arm the Houthis. Houthi threats to ships: 'We will use submarines.' A British ship caught fire after a 'missile attack' near Yemen. The U.S. destroyed 9 Houthi missiles, launchers, and drones. The U.S. condemned the 'irresponsible and indiscriminate Houthi attacks on civilian ships.' A British organization reported receiving reports of an 'explosion' in the Red Sea; surrounding ships are safe. The British Maritime Agency reported an increase in drone activity in the Red Sea. U.S. officials: Houthis shot down an 'MQ-9 Army drone.' Continued Houthi attacks and CENTCOM responses in the Red Sea; at least ten Houthi drones have been destroyed.