Yemen Monitor/Washington/Private:
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces “engaged” with two drones in areas controlled by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
“The drones were assessed to pose an imminent threat to coalition and commercial vessels in the area,” it added in a statement on its” X” website.
No casualties or damage were reported to coalition or commercial vessels.
“These actions are being taken to protect freedom of navigation and make the international waterways safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels,” the command said.
The U.S. command did not specify the location of the attacks. But a source for “Yemen Monitor” said the attack took place in Bajel directorate in the western Yemeni province of Hodeidah.
Since November, the Houthis have targeted more than 60 commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and recently expanded their operations to the Indian Ocean. They have said they are targeting ships linked to Israel, which is waging a brutal offensive in Gaza Strip. But the Yemeni government and experts say :the Houthis’ targets are domestic to escape internal crises and improve their image in the region.
In response, the United States and Britain have been carrying out an air campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi militants since January 11. As a result, the Houthis have announced the expansion of their operations to include U.S. and British ships.
