Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen launched anti-ship ballistic missiles at cargo vessels in the Red Sea, prompting U.S. and U.K. airstrikes against the group.
The attacks targeted the MV Star Nasia and MV Morning Tide, both merchant ships, with one missile intercepted by the USS Laboon.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote in a statement, “Three of the ASBMs (anti-ship ballistic missiles) were attempting to hit MV Star Nasia, a Marshall Island-flagged, Greek owned-and-operated bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden.”
“At approximately 3:20 a.m., MV Star Nasia reported an explosion near the ship causing minor damage but no injuries. At 2 p.m. another missile impacted the water near the ship with no effect. At 4:30 p.m., USS Laboon (DDG 58), operating near MV Star Nasia, intercepted and shot down a third anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis. MV Star Nasia remains seaworthy and is continuing toward its destination,” the statement continued.
“These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade, and the lives of innocent mariners, and are in response to a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi actions since previous coalition strikes on January 11 and 22, 2024, including the January 27 attack which struck and set ablaze the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda,” the command’s report continued.
CENTCOM reported that the strikes “specifically targeted sites associated with the Houthis’ deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars.”
The strikes were in response to Houthi actions threatening global trade and innocent lives, including an attack on an oil tanker.
The airstrikes aimed to disrupt and degrade Houthi capabilities, targeting weapons storage facilities, missile systems, air defense systems, and radars.
Read Also:
Nikki Haley Admits Why She Feels ‘Stupid’ On Campaign Trail
Hot Mic Slip Exposes MSNBC Host’s True Views On Biden
