The US has carried out over 800 targeted strikes against the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen since March 15
Washington, DC: Over 800 targeted attacks have been carried out by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) against the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen since March 15 to reestablish “freedom of navigation and reinforce American deterrence.”
The campaign has greatly decreased Houthi assaults on international commerce, according to a statement issued on Sunday by CENTCOM, which is in charge of military operations in the Middle East. Ballistic missile launches have decreased by 69%, while drone strikes have decreased by 55%.
“Since March 15, US Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces have conducted an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence,” stated CENTCOM.
“As long as the Houthis continue to obstruct freedom of navigation, we will keep up the pressure and further degrade their capabilities,” the statement said. USCENTCOM has hit more than 800 targets since the beginning of Operation Rough Rider. These attacks have killed numerous Houthi commanders, including top missile and UAV officers, along with hundreds of Houthi militants.
The attacks have also damaged several air defense systems, sophisticated weapons production sites, advanced weapons storage facilities, and command-and-control facilities, according to CENTCOM. “These storage facilities housed advanced conventional weapons, including anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and uncrewed surface vessels, which were employed in Houthi terrorist attacks on international shipping lanes,” the statement said.
“Our operations have weakened the speed and efficacy of the Houthis’ attacks, even though they have not stopped attacking our vessels,” it stated. Launches of ballistic missiles have decreased by 69%. Additionally, there has been a 55% drop in one-way assault drone attacks.
Additionally, according to CENTCOM, the US attacks devastated Ras Isa Port’s capacity to receive fuel, which will start to affect the Houthis’ capacity to not only carry out operations but also to make millions of dollars from their terrorist actions.
“A strong coalition of troops, including the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, has carried out the mission. Our skilled and professional soldiers have successfully launched accurate and deadly attacks against Houthi military capabilities, and for that we are very pleased,” CENTCOM said.
CENTCOM also criticized Iran, saying, “It is certain that Iran still supports the Houthis. Only with the Iranian regime’s support can the Houthis keep attacking our soldiers. Until the goal—the restoration of freedom of passage and American deterrence in the area—is achieved, we will keep increasing the pressure.”
Despite then-President Joe Biden’s caution to Iran and its supporters to stay out of the war, Houthi assaults on ships increased when Israel and Gaza broke out.
The Houthis claimed in 2014 that they would only attack Israeli ships after seizing Yemen’s capital. But since then, they have targeted ships belonging to many more countries.