US destroys Houthi targets in Red Sea

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US destroyed Houthi targets in Yemen, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday.

"Between 10:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 16, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen," CENTCOM said on X

There were no injuries or damage reported by US, coalition or commercial ships, it said, adding it determined that the UAVs presented an "imminent threat" to vessels in the region.

Yemen’s Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter the Houthi attacks.