U.S. Central Command reported that they have taken action against Houthi radar sites, which were being used to target commercial shipping vessels. The attacks were carried out by U.S. forces and have successfully destroyed the radar sites.
According to a recent post on Friday by CENTCOM, the U.S. military has successfully eliminated seven radars located in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi. In addition to this, they also destroyed a number of sea and aerial drones belonging to the militia in the last 24 hours.
According to CENTCOM’s post, they found that these systems posed a direct threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant ships in the area. The decision to take action was made in order to safeguard the freedom of navigation and enhance the safety and security of international waters for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.
On Wednesday, the M/V Tutor, a bulk carrier owned by Greece weighing 44,000 tons, was damaged by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The incident occurred approximately 66 miles southwest of the port of Hudaydah, leading to subsequent strikes.
The ship was subjected to a vicious attack that resulted in extensive flooding and severe damage to the engine room. The majority of the crew evacuated the ship and were subsequently rescued by U.S. and allied forces. Unfortunately, one crew member has been declared missing.
According to CENTCOM, the Tutor is currently experiencing water ingress in the Red Sea. The vessel is reportedly drifting from its last known position, as reported by the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations.
On Thursday, the Houthis launched an attack on the M/V Verbena, which is owned by Ukraine and located in the Gulf of Aden. This attack resulted in one crew member being injured and fires breaking out on board the vessel.
According to Houthi rebels, their recent attacks on vessels in the Red Sea aim to put an end to Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza. However, it’s concerning that these attacks have been directed towards ships belonging to countries with no involvement in the conflict.
After the Verbena attack, CENTCOM stated that such reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis is a threat to regional stability and poses a danger to the lives of mariners in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
According to reports, the Houthis have been targeting and intimidating individuals who have no involvement in the Gaza conflict, despite claiming to act on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza. It is concerning that they are causing harm to innocent third country nationals while claiming to champion a cause.