Houthi Missile Strike on US-Owned Vessel
Houthi forces executed a missile strike on a US-owned vessel last Thursday, following President Joe Biden’s recognition that American airstrikes had not deterred the insurgents’ activities in the Red Sea.
Pentagon Reports No Damage or Injuries
Following the missile strike, the Pentagon reported no damage or injuries, despite the Houthis launching two missiles targeting the MV Chem Ranger.
US Airstrikes in Yemen
This attack occurred after the fifth round of US airstrikes in Yemen earlier on the same day.
US Forces Intercept Houthi Missiles
The White House confirmed that, despite these challenges, US forces successfully intercepted and eliminated various Houthi missiles intended for the Red Sea.
President Biden’s Assessment
When asked by reporters in Washington DC about the effectiveness of the attacks on Houthi targets, President Biden responded, “When you inquire whether they are ‘working,’ are they effectively deterring the Houthis? No. Will they persist? Yes.”
Missile Destruction in Self-Defense
“US forces identified the missiles in regions of Yemen under Houthi control” around 15:40 local time (12:40 GMT) “and confirmed that they posed an immediate threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the area.”
US forces took decisive action, neutralizing the missiles in a defensive response.”
Pentagon’s Defensive Stance
During a briefing, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized that, despite these developments, “We are not actively seeking war. Our actions are purely defensive in nature.”
Attempted Attack on MV Chem Ranger
Regarding the attempted attack on the MV Chem Ranger, Centcom confirmed that two anti-ship missiles were launched at the Marshall Island-flagged, US-owned ship; however, both fell short of their target.
Houthi Leader’s Speech
In a passionate speech on Thursday, the leader of the Houthis expressed his pride in confronting Israel, the US, and the UK, characterizing it as a “great honor.”
Houthi Leader’s Condemnation
He further articulated that, despite these challenges, “The aggression against our dear people is a violation, an act of aggression, a direct encroachment on Yemen’s sovereignty, and a direct assault on the Yemeni people.”
Houthi Attacks on Merchant Vessels
The Houthis initiated their targeting of merchant vessels in November, citing Israel’s military operation in Gaza as their justification. Since then, they have launched numerous attacks on commercial tankers navigating the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
International Response – Airstrikes
In response, the US and UK initiated a series of airstrikes against multiple Houthi targets on January 11. These strikes, with the strong support of Australia, Bahrain, the Netherlands, and Canada, began after Houthi forces disregarded an ultimatum to cease their attacks in the region.
