The U.S. military has successfully intercepted and destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi land attack cruise missile (LACM) in Houthi-held Yemen, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). The military assessed the missile posed an immediate threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels in the region. These actions aim to ensure freedom of navigation and enhance the security of international waters.
The interception followed reports from Britain’s maritime agency of two separate incidents involving missile attacks on ships near Yemen’s coast. On Saturday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a vessel was hit by a missile 125 nautical miles east of Aden. Despite the impact, there were no fires or structural damages, and the ship proceeded to its next port. Another incident, 170 nautical miles southeast of Aden, involved a small explosion near a merchant ship. The crew remained uninjured, and the vessel continued its journey.
These events unfold amid rising tensions in West Asia following the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s top military leader Faud Shukr in Beirut in late July. Since Israel’s invasion of Gaza last October, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have intensified missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen after nearly a decade-long conflict with a Saudi-led coalition, have launched over 50 attacks on maritime vessels since November 2023. These assaults have led to casualties, vessel seizures, and extensive disruptions to global trade routes, compelling shipping firms to seek alternative paths. This disruption affects approximately 12 percent of global trade traversing the Red Sea, highlighting the escalating regional instability and its broad economic impacts.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-destroys-houthi-missile-in-yemen-amid-attacks-on-ships-near-coastal-area-11722748078778.html
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