US forces destroy Houthi surface-to-air missile in Yemen

According to a statement from CENTCOM, on the afternoon of March 1 (local time), “US forces conducted a defensive strike against a Houthi surface-to-air missile that was preparing to be launched”. The US military “determined (the missile) to be an imminent threat to US aircraft in the area”.

CENTCOM also announced that the Houthis launched an anti-ship missile into the Red Sea on the evening of March 1, but "did not cause any impact or damage to any ships."

The Houthis control much of Yemen. They began attacking Israeli-linked cargo ships passing through the area in November 2023, claiming it was an act of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The US and UK have launched several strikes against the Houthis, but have failed to stop the group’s attacks on shipping. The attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have increased insurance premiums and forced many shipping lines to avoid the area.