The US military said it hit three anti-ship cruise missiles, an unmanned submarine and an unmanned surface vessel (UUV) on Saturday. “This is the first time the Houthis have observed using UUVs since the attacks began on October 23,” CENTCOM said in a statement on Sunday.
A US-led coalition aircraft takes off to attack military targets in Yemen on January 12, 2024. Photo: US Military
“CENTCOM has identified anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vehicles, and unmanned surface vessels in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they pose an imminent threat to U.S. naval vessels and U.S. merchant vessels in the area,” U.S. Central Command said.
The use of underwater drones marks a new strategy for the Houthis and comes despite continued US airstrikes against the rebel group. Earlier this month, the US and UK struck at least 30 Houthi targets in at least 10 locations in Yemen in an effort to “de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”
The Houthis, who control the most populous areas of Yemen, say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s assault on Gaza. But the US and its allies describe them as a threat to global trade.
Faced with growing violence in the Red Sea, major shipping lines have largely abandoned this vital trade route through the Suez Canal in favor of longer routes around Africa.
The change has raised costs, raised concerns about global inflation, and slashed Egypt's vital source of revenue from shippers passing through the Suez Canal to or from the Red Sea.
Bui Huy (according to Reuters, CNN, AJ)
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