US forces launched two strikes against six anti-ship missiles aimed at the Red Sea, Pentagon Central Command said.
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“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were ready to be launched towards the Red Sea,” the command’s website said.
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US forces were also reported to have shot down a drone over the southern Red Sea.
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The ruling Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement in northern Yemen, which controls most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, previously warned of its intention to attack any ships linked to Israel, calling on other countries to recall their crews from them and not to approach them at sea. A number of shipping companies have decided to suspend transportation through the Red Sea.
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The Houthis have said their actions in the Red Sea are aimed at helping Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and they have argued that they are not interfering with freedom of navigation in the region. Arab and Muslim countries have repeatedly warned the United States that unconditional support for Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip will lead to the spread of the conflict throughout the region.
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The US and UK have been carrying out strikes on Houthi targets since mid-January, calling it a response to threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Ansar Allah’s highest political council, called the attacks a terrorist barbarity and deliberate and unjustified aggression.
