On Wednesday, Iran-backed Houthi
rebels fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles at the US-flagged container
ship M/V Maersk Detroit while it was transiting the Gulf of Aden. According to
US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack occurred around 2 p.m. Sanaa time. The
missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
One of the missiles struck the sea,
while the remaining two were intercepted and destroyed by the USS Gravely (DDG
107). Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage to the Maersk Detroit, as
reported by CENTCOM.
In response to the increased tensions,
the US and UK recently carried out additional strikes against Houthi targets in
Yemen. On Monday, these strikes targeted eight sites associated with Houthi
infrastructure. Canada, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Australia also supported
the operation.
The strikes were reportedly
successful, targeting and destroying missile systems, weapons storage
facilities, and drone systems. A senior military official indicated that these
strikes achieved their intended goals.
In contrast, a smaller-scale operation
on January 11 targeted fewer sites compared to the extensive strike that hit
over 30 Houthi targets earlier. The latest operation focused on an underground
storage facility and other sites linked to Houthi missile and air surveillance
capabilities.
The US utilized fighter jets from the
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with surface vessels and a submarine, for the
strikes. Approximately 25-30 precision-guided munitions, including Tomahawk
cruise missiles, were employed in these attacks.
