US Military Thwarts More Attacks By Iran’s Houthis In Yemen

The US military thwarted upcoming attacks to merchant vessels and US navy ships by Iran’s Houthi militia in Yemen amidst its Red Sea blockade.

Central Command, via its official X account, announced the operations, saying, “CENTCOM forces identified the USVs and missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, as well as the UAV over the Red Sea, and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the US Navy ships in the region.”

Iran's longstanding support for the Houthis has come into focus once again. Despite Iranian assertions of the Houthi group's autonomy, recent events suggest Tehran wields substantial influence over their actions.

Analysts point to parallels between the relative decrease in conflicts in Syria and Iraq following targeted attacks on high-ranking Iranian commanders and US airstrikes. This suggests Iran's adeptness in controlling its proxies when deemed necessary.

Despite a temporary hiatus in Houthi attacks earlier in February, recent incidents indicate a resurgence in targeting commercial vessels, including those of British and American origin.

President Biden's warnings over the past three months have failed to deter the intensifying attacks, with the Houthi group expanding its blockade to include ships from the US and the UK, in addition to those linked with Israel, in allegiance with Hamas in its war against Israel.

Iran-backed Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, spamming a Tehran fueled proxy war.