US Launches Strikes in Yemen as Houthis Regain ‘Terrorist’ Designation

The U.S. military has recently engaged in a targeted operation against 14 missiles in Yemen, ready to be launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This action follows the U.S. government’s reclassification of the Houthis as a “terrorist” group due to their assaults on commercial vessels.

Following the U.S. announcement, the Houthis struck a U.S.-owned bulk cargo carrier and pledged to continue their attacks in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that U.S. forces struck 14 missiles in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, which posed an imminent threat to merchant and U.S. Navy vessels in the region.

Hani Kayed, a resident of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, reported hearing an explosion in the city’s east near the airport. Hodeida and Taez were among the locations targeted by U.S. and UK strikes in Yemen last week and were hit again in the most recent strikes, along with three other areas, as reported by Houthi media.

The U.S. State Department announced the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist group, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating a 30-day implementation delay for outreach to stakeholders involved in humanitarian assistance in Yemen.

The Houthis have declared they will not cease their attacks. Their spokesperson, Mohammed Abdelsalam, told Al Jazeera TV that they would continue targeting ships linked to Israel and respond to any new U.S. or British strikes on Yemen.

CENTCOM confirmed that a drone launched from Houthi territory in Yemen struck the U.S.-owned and operated, Marshall Islands-flagged ship Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. The ship sustained some damage but remained seaworthy and operational.

This “terrorist” designation by the U.S. is part of a strategy to exert pressure on the Houthis, combining military action with diplomatic efforts and forming an international coalition to protect shipping from Houthi attacks.

The U.S. military reported destroying four anti-ship missiles in Yemen that threatened military and civilian vessels. The U.S. and Britain have targeted nearly 30 sites in Yemen, deploying over 150 munitions, and U.S. forces have also attacked a Houthi radar site.

In 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration removed the Houthis’ terrorist designations imposed by former President Donald Trump. The decision was in response to concerns from aid groups about their ability to operate in Yemen. The current specially designated global terrorist designation aims to maintain flexibility in safeguarding humanitarian assistance and the well-being of the Yemeni people.