Gaza War: Latest Updates

The U.S. military has confirmed conducting airstrikes in Yemen targeting 10 drones and a ground control station operated by the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. Additionally, a U.S. warship successfully intercepted a Houthi-launched anti-ship missile and downed three Iranian drones, as reported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

While the U.S. has ramped up its strikes on the Houthis and other Iran-supported groups in the region, both the U.S. and Iran have generally avoided direct conflict. The downing of the Iranian drones, however, could escalate tensions.

U.S. forces engaged a Houthi UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) ground control station and 10 drones early Thursday, which were considered imminent threats to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the area. The USS Carney, a naval destroyer, was involved in these defensive actions against the anti-ship ballistic missile and the three Iranian drones, though CENTCOM did not specify the drones’ intended use.

Moreover, U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missile on Wednesday, posing an imminent threat to U.S. aircraft, a move diverging from previous airstrikes that focused on reducing the rebels’ ability to target international shipping.

The Houthis have been attacking Red Sea shipping routes since November, claiming to support Palestinians in Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas war. In response, U.S. and UK forces have launched strikes against the Houthis, who now view American and British interests as legitimate targets.

The U.S. has employed robust surveillance to monitor Houthi-controlled areas, likely involving military aircraft, to counter imminent threats to shipping. Additionally, a multinational naval task force has been established to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks, a vital route for global trade.

The U.S. has also applied diplomatic and financial pressures on the Houthis, redesignating them as a terrorist organization in January, reversing an earlier decision made after President Joe Biden took office.

Despite these efforts, Houthi attacks continue. They recently claimed an attack on an American merchant ship heading to Israel, launching several naval missiles that reportedly hit the vessel. Security firm Ambrey noted a missile attack on a commercial vessel southwest of Aden, reporting an explosion but not specifying the ship’s nationality. The Houthis also claimed an attack on the American destroyer USS Gravely, following CENTCOM’s report of the ship intercepting a cruise missile from Houthi-controlled areas.

These incidents occur against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, fueled by anger over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the involvement of Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.