US Destroys 9 Houthi Missiles, Launchers, and Drones

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced in a statement that from the early hours of Wednesday, February 21, until 6:45 PM the same day, it destroyed 9 Houthi missiles, launchers, and drones. According to CENTCOM's statement, seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and one mobile anti-ship ballistic missile launcher that were ready to fire towards the Red Sea were destroyed in four separate attacks. The statement adds that during the same timeframe, CENTCOM shot down a Houthi suicide drone in a self-defense operation. CENTCOM identified these Houthi weapons as an 'imminent threat' to commercial ships and US Navy vessels in the region, stating that their destruction was aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and making international waters safer for vessels present in the area. Concurrently with CENTCOM's defensive actions, the US State Department issued a statement condemning the Houthi attacks on civilian cargo ships supported by the Islamic Republic. The statement noted: 'The irresponsible and indiscriminate attacks by the Houthis on civilian ships endanger the lives of innocent sailors, disrupt maritime trade, and increasingly threaten regional security and stability.' The US State Department also labeled the Houthis' behavior as 'terroristic,' adding: 'The Houthi attacks have dire humanitarian and economic consequences. These attacks lead to increased prices and delays in the delivery of vital humanitarian items such as food and medicine in areas where they are most needed.' The State Department emphasized: 'Contrary to Houthi claims, their attacks do not assist the Palestinians.' The United States reiterated its commitment to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and other international waterways, stating: 'We will continue to work with our partners to address the threats posed by the Houthis and maintain peace and stability in the region.' The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported on Wednesday that it received reports of an explosion and light in the southern Red Sea, 40 miles west of the port of Hodeidah. According to Reuters, the organization added that ships and crews around the reported explosion site are safe. Houthi rebels, who are supported by the Iranian government, have repeatedly attacked ships around Yemen in recent months. The Houthi actions against commercial vessels, which have caused insecurity in maritime trade in the Red Sea, have faced military responses from the US and some of its allies. Additionally, the US 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 ships in the Red Sea since Friday, February 16. The US Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed in a report on February 6 that the Iran-backed Houthis are using Iranian-made missiles and drones against military and civilian targets across the Middle East.