US military announces precision strikes on Houthi weapons facilities and systems

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that it carried out a series of precision airstrikes on several weapons storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on November 9 and 10.

These facilities contain a range of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target US and international military and civilian vessels sailing in international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM added in a statement.

She pointed out that the operation included the participation of forces from the US Air Force and Navy, including an F-35C aircraft.

The statement explained that this preemptive operation was carried out in response to repeated and unlawful attacks by the Houthis on international commercial shipping, as well as on ships belonging to the United States, the coalition, and commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and aims to reduce the Houthis' ability to threaten regional partners.

He reported that the US destroyers USS Stockdale ( DDG 106 ) and USS Spruance ( DDG 111 ), along with aircraft from the US Air Force and Navy, succeeded in repelling a group of Houthi weapons as they passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

These forces also successfully repelled multiple attacks, including eight one-way attack drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and four anti-ship cruise missiles, ensuring the safety of the ships and their crews, according to the statement.

He continued: "There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. These movements reflect the continued commitment of U.S. Central Command forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, while maintaining security and stability in the region."

The statement stressed that the US Central Command remains vigilant in its efforts to protect navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and will continue to take appropriate steps to confront any threats to regional stability.