TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 11, 2024 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the execution of defensive strikes on hostile forces poised to threaten maritime safety in the Red Sea. On Feb. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. Sanaa time, CENTCOM forces targeted and neutralized two unmanned surface vessels (USV) and three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) north of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
The preemptive operation was a response to confirmed intelligence that the Houthi-controlled assets were on the verge of launching attacks on U.S. Navy and merchant ships traversing the area. This decisive action underscores CENTCOM’s commitment to ensuring the freedom of navigation in these strategic waters, emphasizing the security of international shipping lanes against rising threats.
The swift response by CENTCOM forces reflects the agility and readiness of U.S. military capabilities in the region, aimed at deterring aggression and maintaining the uninterrupted flow of commerce. These measures are essential for preserving peace and stability in the Red Sea corridor, a vital artery for global trade.