US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday (June 12) that it had destroyed two anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers operated by Houthi forces in Yemen. In a recent operation, US forces destroyed Houthi missile launchers posing a direct threat to American and allied troops, as well as commercial ships navigating the Red Sea. This action comes amidst the ongoing blockade imposed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The CENTCOM took to social media to announce the destruction of the missile launcher.
On X, they wrote, “In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen and one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea.” “Additionally, one Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface vessel (USV) struck M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek owned and operated vessel, in the Red Sea. M/V Tutor most recently docked in Russia. The impact of the USV caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room,” the post further said.
However, there were no injuries or damage reported by either US, coalition or commercial ships. This continued malign and reckless behaviour by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“The aggressive actions have precipitated a series of retaliatory strikes by US and British forces since February as the conflict expanded to affect broader international shipping interests,” CENTCOM said. It may be mentioned here, the Houthis’ actions have rigorously disrupted global shipping, impacting at least half of the world’s cargo flow through the critical Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
