The US military has conducted a self-defense strike against two Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship missiles in its controlled areas of Yemen. The strike was carried out by US Central Command and aimed to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for US Navy and merchant vessels. According to the command, the strike successfully prevented the missiles from impacting a Singapore-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Aden. No injuries or damages were reported.

Escalating tensions in the region have led to increased attacks by Houthi fighters on both commercial and military vessels. Initially targeting ships linked to Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the Houthis have expanded their scope to include vessels associated with the United Kingdom and the United States.

This recent strike comes after previous self-defense strikes conducted by the US military against Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in Yemen. The US Central Command has been actively taking measures to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of US Navy and merchant vessels in the region.

In collaboration with the United Kingdom Armed Forces and other nations, the US forces launched strikes against 18 Houthi targets in areas controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. The objective of this multinational effort is to safeguard their respective countries, partners, and allies in the region.

The escalating insecurity in the Red Sea, due to Houthi attacks, has prompted major shipping lines to avoid the critical trade route, opting for longer journeys around Africa. This shift has resulted in increased expenses and raised concerns about global inflation. Additionally, Egypt has been deprived of vital foreign revenue generated by shippers using the Suez Canal for Red Sea transit.

The self-defense strike conducted by the US military further underscores the need to address the escalating tensions and protect freedom of navigation in the region.