Title: U.S. Navy Launches Tomahawk Missiles Against Houthi Infrastructure in Yemen
In a recent military operation, destroyers from the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, embarked on the USS Harry S. Truman, launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. The strike took place on December 31, within the U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.
The U.S. Navy, along with other coalition forces, has been maintaining a presence in the Red Sea to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships, which has been threatened in recent months by ongoing Houthi attacks. These attacks have included the use of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, as well as drones.
The latest offensive came at the end of a tumultuous December, which saw not only Houthi drone and missile launches but also airstrikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against various targets in Yemen and the friendly fire downing of a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet over the Red Sea.
The Tomahawk missiles, launched from destroyers operating in the Red Sea, targeted Houthi command and control facilities, as well as production and storage sites for advanced conventional weapons, including missiles and drones. These installations had been used in Houthi operations against U.S. naval ships and commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft destroyed a Houthi coastal defense radar and seven unidirectional cruise missiles and UAVs in the Red Sea.
The incident involving the downing of the F/A-18F Super Hornet by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg raised alarm bells within the U.S. Navy. The Super Hornet was hit during its final approach to the USS Harry S. Truman, but its crew managed to eject safely. A second aircraft also avoided the fratricide attack.
Israel’s recent involvement in Yemen’s conflict could potentially escalate the situation for coalition forces. With Israel’s other fronts, such as Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, largely under control, the IDF may focus more on eliminating threats from Yemen.
The U.S. and its allies continue to maintain a presence in the Red Sea to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships, despite ongoing Houthi attacks. The coalition’s efforts, however, have not been enough to stop these attacks, which pose a significant threat to regional maritime trade and security.
Image credit: CENTCOM
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