U.S. Army Destroys Missile System, Missile, and Drone of Iranian-backed Houthis

On Sunday, April 8, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of a missile system, a missile, and a drone belonging to Iranian-backed Houthi militants. According to CENTCOM's statement, between 10 AM and 3 PM on Saturday, April 7, a mobile surface-to-air missile system of the Houthis was destroyed in areas under their control in Yemen. During the same timeframe, CENTCOM forces shot down a Houthi drone over the Red Sea. Additionally, around 6 PM on Saturday, a coalition ship successfully intercepted and destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile. CENTCOM's statement noted that the Houthi attacks on Saturday did not result in any casualties or financial losses. The statement added that the destroyed Houthi weapons posed a 'threat' to U.S. forces and the coalition, as well as commercial vessels in the area. CENTCOM emphasized that it will continue its mission to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer. The Iranian-backed Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, began attacking commercial ships and warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden a few weeks after the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, under the pretext of supporting the people of Gaza. These attacks are primarily conducted using drones and anti-ship ballistic missiles, but many of their attacks in recent months have failed, except for a few. The U.S. military, along with a group of allies, neutralizes these 'terrorist' group attacks daily by being stationed in the region. Following the escalation of attacks by this Iranian-backed group last winter, U.S.-led coalition forces targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, destroying a significant portion of their infrastructure. The Biden administration, which had removed the Houthis from the list of terrorist organizations shortly after taking office in January 2021, re-designated the group as 'specially designated global terrorists' on February 16, 2024. The continuation of Houthi missile attacks; maritime security company Ambrey reported an attack on a ship in the Red Sea. Houthi leader: We attacked 90 ships, resulting in 37 casualties. Senior U.S. Air Force commander in the Middle East: Houthis are facing a shortage of weapons and ammunition. CENTCOM destroyed 'anti-ship ballistic missiles and two drones' of Iranian-backed Houthis. The U.S. destroyed two Houthi drones. U.S. fighter jets targeted three warehouses in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. CENTCOM commander: Tehran is supplying weapons to the Houthis; the alliance of Iran, China, and Russia is concerning. A French ship destroyed three Houthi ballistic missiles.