U.S. Strikes Houthi Weapons Depots in Yemen to Safeguard Maritime Security

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched a series of targeted airstrikes against Houthi weapons depots in Yemen, marking a strong response to the escalating maritime threats posed by the group in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This operation aims to protect vital international shipping lanes and regional security.

The airstrikes were specifically aimed at Houthi arms storage facilities, which contained advanced weaponry such as anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These facilities have been central to the Houthis’ repeated attacks on commercial and military vessels in critical waterways, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

Aims of the Operation

According to a CENTCOM spokesperson, the operation was carried out to counter the unlawful attacks by the Houthis on international commercial shipping and to reduce their capacity to threaten U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels. The objective is clear: weaken the Houthis’ ability to disrupt global trade and regional stability.

“This targeted operation was conducted in response to repeated unlawful attacks by the Houthis on international commercial shipping, as well as on U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels,” the spokesperson said. The action also aims to protect the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden, both of which are crucial chokepoints for global maritime trade.

Successful Neutralization of Threats

In addition to the airstrikes, U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, along with aircraft from the U.S. Navy and Air Force, neutralized several Houthi missile launch systems. These operations successfully detected and destroyed eight unmanned aerial systems, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and four anti-ship cruise missiles, ensuring the safety of vessels and their crews.

The U.S. has been actively monitoring and securing these vital maritime routes to prevent any further disruptions to international commerce, as these waters are among the most heavily trafficked in the world.

Ongoing Strategy for Regional Security

This operation is part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at securing the region’s major shipping lanes, which are critical for global trade. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, in particular, remains a flashpoint for tensions, with the Houthis seeking to assert control and disrupt the free flow of vessels.

The U.S. military’s efforts come at a time when the Houthis have increasingly targeted vital international shipping routes, posing risks not only to regional partners but also to global economic stability. With these latest airstrikes, CENTCOM has made it clear that it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of these strategic maritime corridors.