In a new strike in Yemen, the US destroyed seven Houthi missiles and three drones

The Iranian-backed Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians during Israel’s war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces said in a statement on the X social network that they acted in self-defense. They claimed to have destroyed the aforementioned number of anti-ship missiles and drones, as well as three weapons storage containers in Houthi-controlled areas.

“These weapons have been identified as posing a direct threat to merchant ships and US Navy vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more reliable for U.S. naval and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM said.

The Houthi attacks have increased insurance costs for ships plying the main Red Sea trade route, with many shipping companies now opting for the much longer route around Africa.

In response to Houthi attacks on what the rebels say are Israeli-linked ships, the Americans and British have repeatedly struck Houthi targets in Yemen, but that has not stopped their attacks.