U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported conducting strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Yemen, specifically in areas under Iranian-backed Houthi control. This operation took place around 5 p.m. local time in Sanaa.
CENTCOM stated that the targets were primarily Houthi military capabilities aimed at safeguarding the freedom of navigation and enhancing the security of international waters for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.
In response to the Houthis’ campaign against international vessels allegedly en route to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the U.S., often in collaboration with the UK, has executed several strikes against Ansar Allah. However, these recent actions come during an especially tense period in the region, with Houthi deputy information secretary Nasreddine Amer remarking that they view the strikes as a provocative act.
Osamah Abdulrahman/AP
This marks the first U.S. military action since Iran retaliated with a significant missile strike against Israel earlier this week. This Iranian attack was in response to various events, including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran back in July and recent killings of key figures in Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Beirut.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a sudden offensive from Gaza. Subsequently, Hezbollah has escalated the situation with rocket and drone strikes on Israel, leading to a cycle of cross-border violence.
Similar to Hezbollah, Ansar Allah is part of the informal Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance coalition and has begun targeting Israel with missiles and drones, as well as vessels that breach a self-imposed maritime blockade against Israel.
Please note that this is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.