US Military Conducts Precision Strikes on Houthi Facilities in Sanaa
On December 21, 2024, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had executed precision air strikes targeting Houthi military installations in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The strikes specifically aimed at a missile storage facility and a command-and-control center operated by the Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah group. This military action is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Houthi operations that threaten US naval forces and commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding areas.
The CENTCOM statement highlighted that during the operation, US forces successfully shot down several Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. The strikes were described as necessary to counter the increasing threat posed by the Houthis, who have been actively targeting US and allied vessels in the region.
Escalation of Houthi Attacks on Israel
The US strikes come in the wake of a significant escalation in hostilities involving the Houthis and Israel. Just days prior, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a missile at Tel Aviv, which resulted in minor injuries to 16 individuals. This missile attack was framed by the Houthis as retaliation against Israeli actions in Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict that has seen heightened tensions since October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated a large-scale attack on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned that any attacks on Israel would result in severe consequences, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation. The Houthis have vowed to continue their missile and drone strikes against Israel, asserting that their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Broader Implications of the Conflict
The recent military actions reflect a broader regional conflict involving multiple actors, including Iran, which supports the Houthis as part of what it terms the 'axis of resistance' against Israel. This coalition includes various militant groups across the region, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, all of which have increased their rhetoric and military actions against Israel in response to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
As the situation develops, both the US and Israeli forces are expected to maintain a heightened state of alert, with potential for further military engagements in Yemen and surrounding areas. The Houthis have declared all American and British ships as military targets, indicating a significant escalation in their operational scope, which could have far-reaching implications for maritime security in the Red Sea and beyond.