US launches series of Houthi attacks in Yemen

"US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck 15 targets in areas controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen. The strikes targeted the armed group's offensive assets," the US Department of Defense said.

CENTCOM said this was a move to protect freedom of navigation, ensure safety for commercial ships, as well as US and allied warships to move more safely in international waters in the region.

Houthi-run Al Masirah channel earlier said US and British forces had attacked four areas in Yemen, mainly targeting the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida, as well as the Damar and Mukayras areas southeast and south of Sanaa.

The series of attacks came after thousands of Yemenis in the capital took to the streets to show support for Palestinians and Lebanese against Israeli military operations.

"The aggression against the capital and provinces in Yemen after the marches is a desperate attempt to intimidate the people. Yemen is not discouraged and will continue to fight its opponents with all its strength," said Hashem Sharaf al-Din, a Houthi official.

After the war in the Gaza Strip broke out in October 2023, the Houthi forces repeatedly used drones and missiles to attack Israeli territory to show support for Hamas, an ally in the "resistance axis" backed by Iran.

The Houthis said on October 3 that they had deployed UAVs to attack the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. The country's military said it had intercepted a "suspicious flying object" in central Israel overnight, but did not provide details.

A day earlier, Houthi announced the launch of a series of cruise missiles towards military facilities deep inside Israeli territory.

In addition, armed groups also frequently target cargo ships with links to Israel in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, forcing many shipping companies to detour their ships around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, increasing shipping costs.

On October 1, armed groups damaged two cargo ships off the coast of Yemen. One was attacked by a suicide boat, and the other was hit by a missile a few hours later, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

US and British forces in the region have repeatedly attacked Houthi targets in Yemen in response and to prevent the enemy from continuing to attack international shipping routes, but this campaign seems to have been ineffective despite taking place for nearly a year.

Israel has also struck Yemen in response to the militant group, including a strike on Hodeida last month that killed at least five people.