U.S. Strikes Multiple Houthi Targets—Including Apparent Underwater Attack Vessel

Topline

The U.S. Central Command confirmed Sunday the U.S. conducted five strikes against Houthi militia’s vessels, including on the first unmanned underwater vessels used in these recent attacks, in areas of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed militant group.

Targets included the first unmanned underwater vessel used by the Iranian-backed group in its attacks on the Red Sea. AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

The strikes, which occurred between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, targeted three anti-ship cruise missiles, an unmanned surface vessel and an unmanned underwater vessel, according to Central Command.

After identifying the targets, Central Command said it determined they “presented an imminent threat” to surrounding U.S. Navy and merchant ships.

The unmanned underwater vessel was the first used by the Iranian-backed militant group since it began attacks in the Red Sea on Oct. 23, according to Central Command.

Tangent

On Thursday, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper revealed on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” that Iranian Revolutionary Guard troops are working on the ground in Yemen with the rebel group.

Key Background

The Yemen-based group, which is believed to be primarily funded by Iran, has been attacking ships in the Red Sea since October, in solidarity with Hamas amid its war with Israel. The attacks have disrupted international trade—with Tesla, Volvo and other major companies announcing delays and other production issues. The U.S. and 13 other countries called for an “immediate” end to the attacks on Jan. 3, and the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution a week later demanding the attacks cease and the group return a seized cargo ship. One of the largest Houthi attacks targeting the Red Sea was narrowly thwarted by U.S. and U.K. forces on Jan. 10. Following this, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of consequences for continued attacks. A day later, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi reportedly vowed a “big response” in the face of any military response from the U.S. or its allies. As the group continued its attacks, the State Department redesignated it as a terrorist organization on Jan. 17. The conflict has since escalated, with three servicemembers dying in an attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan. In response, the U.S. hit Iran-linked groups across Yemen, Iraq, Syria and in the Red Sea earlier this month.

Further Reading

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard On The Ground In Yemen To Assist Houthis, U.S. Official Says (Forbes)

Who Are The Houthis? Yemen Group Behind Red Sea Attacks Are Hamas Allies (Forbes)

The World Is Going Into The Red From The Red Sea Crisis (Forbes)