Houthi’s weapons were an imminent threat to U.S. and allies, risking regional stability, according to U.S. military officials.
American military forces have successfully destroyed several Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) launched from areas around Yemen and over the Gulf of Aden in the last 24 hours or so, according to U.S. officials.
In an Aug. 5 update, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said three Houthi UAS launched from areas around Yemen were destroyed over the Gulf of Aden. A Houthi UAS in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, one uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), and an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) in the Red Sea were also destroyed.
CENTCOM said all these weapons posed a serious threat to U.S. and allied forces, which in turn is threatening regional stability.
“These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region,” CENTCOM said.
“This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.”
The Houthi are a Zaydi Shiite faction who have been fighting Yemen’s Sunni-majority government since 2004 and are listed as a specially designated global terrorist (SDGT) group by the United States government. Iran allegedly supports the Houthi with arms, training, and finance.