US Strikes Again at Houthi Positions; CENTCOM: We Destroyed Fourteen Ready-to-Fire Houthi Missiles

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday morning, January 18, that its forces attacked fourteen missiles belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis that were loaded and ready to be fired. CENTCOM stated that this action was part of multinational efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea, adding: "The destroyed missiles were on launch rails, posing an imminent threat to commercial vessels and US naval ships in the region, and could have been fired at any moment. Therefore, US forces decided to destroy these sites using their right and obligation to defend global interests." CENTCOM also stated that these attacks, along with previous actions, would reduce the Houthis' capability to continue attacks on international and commercial ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. General Michael Eric Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, also said: "The actions of the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists continue to endanger international mariners and disrupt commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea and adjacent waterways. For this reason, we will continue our actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners and the interests and people of the United States." On Friday, January 12, the US and UK, with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, attacked dozens of Houthi positions in various areas of Yemen. The United Nations Security Council condemned the destructive actions of the Houthis in the Red Sea and their attacks on free shipping on January 10, calling for an end to these actions. The US and UK consider the Islamic Republic a partner and facilitator of the Houthis' actions and attacks, repeatedly warning Tehran to use its influence over the Houthis to stop these attacks. The US President stated on Saturday that the US sent a "private message" to Iran regarding the Iran-backed Houthis responsible for attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The British newspaper Telegraph reported on Wednesday, January 10, citing its intelligence sources within Iran, that the Houthi group from Yemen has been trained at the "Khamenei Marine Science and Technology University" in Zibakenar, Rasht, and that Ali Khamenei personally oversees their activities. The US: Recent Iranian missile attacks violate the sovereignty of Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. Another commercial vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Aden. Commercial companies are concerned about the consequences of ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. The US government's position has changed; the US is again designating the Houthis as "global terrorists." Qatar says the best way to stop Houthi attacks is to end the war in Gaza. Reuters: The US targeted Houthi anti-ship missiles. Ongoing insecurity in the Red Sea; another transport ship was targeted in a missile attack. The US seized "Iran-made weapons" for the Houthis. CENTCOM: Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile attack on a US-owned ship.