US says it struck Houthi missile launchers that posed ‘imminent threat’ to ships in Red Sea

US Central Command confirms it carried out strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, saying American forces hit 14 missiles that were primed by the Iran-backed rebels.

“These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting US forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves,” CENTCOM says in a statement. “These strikes, along with other actions we have taken, will degrade the Houthi’s capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping.”

The statement noticeably denounces the Houthis as “Iranian-backed terrorists,” after the Biden administration redesignated the rebel group as a terror organization earlier in the day and partially restored sanctions. Before Wednesday, statements from CENTCOM about the Houthis referred to them as “Iranian-backed militants.”

U.S. CENTCOM Strikes Houthi Terrorist Missile Launchers

In the context of ongoing multi-national efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on U.S. and partner maritime traffic in the Red Sea, on Jan. 17 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central… pic.twitter.com/MMCQbzr1f7

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 18, 2024