US attacks Houthi positions

The US military announced an attack on a Houthi position where suicide boats and anti-ship missiles were being prepared to attack ships in the Red Sea.

"US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully conducted defensive strikes against two unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and three anti-ship cruise missiles north of Hodeidah, Yemen, preparing to launch at vessels in the Red Sea," CENTCOM announced on February 11.

CENTCOM said the USVs and missiles were located in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and that they "presented an imminent threat to US warships and merchant ships in the area." The agency said the attack was aimed at "protecting freedom of navigation" and making international waters safer for US warships and merchant ships.

US warship launches missiles to attack Houthi positions on February 4. Photo: CENTCOM — US warship launches missiles to attack Houthi positions on February 4. Photo: *CENTCOM*

The Houthi-run al-Masirah channel reported on February 10 that three attacks occurred in the Salif port area, north of the city of Hodeidah on Yemen's western coast, but did not give details of the damage. An AFP reporter in the area said he heard loud explosions at the site of the attack.

The US military announced on February 8 that it had attacked a Houthi position where four USVs and seven anti-ship missiles were deployed. On February 10, the Houthis said that 17 members of their forces were killed in recent US raids.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, began attacking Israeli-linked cargo ships passing through the area in November 2023, claiming it was an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The US and UK have launched several strikes against the Houthis, but have not been able to stop the group from attacking cargo ships. On February 6, the Houthis attacked US and UK ships in the Red Sea, causing some damage but no casualties.

Attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have raised insurance premiums and forced many shipping lines to avoid the Red Sea route, through which 12% of global maritime trade passes.