The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that the Houthi rebels in Yemen launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the southern Red Sea on Tuesday night.
According to a statement from CENTCOM, no damage was recorded. As part of Hamas’ conflict with Israel, the rebels claim that the Houthis are supporting the terrorist organization, and this strike is the most recent among hundreds of attacks on commercial vessels that have occurred since October 7.
The strikes put the lives of innocent sailors in jeopardy and continued to “disturb the free flow of international commerce,” according to CENTCOM, which also stated that “multiple commercial ships none of the residents reported any damage, however, some reported the impact of the ASBMs into the nearby water.”
The most recent strikes by the Houthis coincide with the organization, which is supported by Iran, denouncing as a “cowardly crime” the Tuesday strike that killed senior Hamas commander Saleh Al-Arouri in Lebanon and demanding retaliation against Israel.
Israel was the one who carried out the strike in Beirut, a US official informed CNN. Fears of a possible escalation in warfare in the region have been stoked by Israel’s refusal to accept responsibility for the strike.
For further context, consider that sustained Houthi strikes in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most significant maritime commerce routes, have the potential to destabilize the international economy.
To bolster security in the vital global trade channel, the US has sent warships to the strait and last month formed the international maritime alliance known as Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Following the US helicopters’ destruction of three Houthi vessels in the Red Sea due to gunfire, the White House declared on Sunday that it is not seeking a bigger battle in the Middle East.