WASHINGTON: In response to heightened tensions in the Red Sea, the US Central Command announced that it successfully located and neutralized a surface-to-air missile launcher in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled territories around 5 pm on February 19. The Command also reported the launch of an additional anti-ship ballistic missile at 6:40 pm, which, fortunately, did not target any commercial or coalition vessels.

In an official statement released on X, the US Central Command provided an update on the events of February 19 and the early hours of February 20 in the Red Sea. It noted the launch of two anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled regions towards the M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, US-owned grain carrier navigating in the Gulf of Aden. Despite minor damage sustained, the vessel proceeded with its mission to deliver grain to Aden, Yemen.

The statement continued to highlight the successful operation to destroy a surface-to-air missile launcher by US CENTCOM forces in Houthi-controlled areas at approximately 5 pm. Additionally, it confirmed the launch of another anti-ship ballistic missile at 6:40 pm, which fortunately did not pose a threat to any commercial or coalition ships.

US Central Command further detailed an incident involving a one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeting the M/V Navis Fortuna, a Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier, resulting in minor damage with no reported injuries. The vessel continued its journey towards Italy.

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In efforts to counter looming threats, US forces also intercepted an OWA UAV in Western Yemen, preventing its potential launch against ships in the Red Sea. Furthermore, a joint effort involving US and coalition aircraft and warships successfully downed 10 OWA UAVs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Additionally, the USS Laboon (DDG 58) intercepted and destroyed an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) aimed in its direction, mitigating the risk of harm.

In the statement posted on X, the US Central Command emphasized the continued safe navigation of vessels in the region. It was stated that the M/V Sea Champion proceeded on its voyage towards Italy. At 8:15 pm on February 19, US CENTCOM forces neutralized an OWA UAV in Western Yemen, preventing its launch against ships in the Red Sea. Additionally, between 8 pm on February 19 and 12:30 am on February 20, US and coalition aircraft and warships intercepted and downed 10 OWA UAVs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Moreover, at 12:30 am on February 20, USS Laboon (DDG 58) identified and successfully intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) heading towards it. These defensive actions were taken as the OWA UAVs, the surface-to-air missile system, and the ASCM were deemed imminent threats to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. The statement reiterated the commitment to safeguard navigational rights and ensure the safety of international waters for both US Navy and merchant vessels.

Prior to these events, on February 17, the United States conducted five strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes targeting three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned surface vessel, and one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) between 3 pm and 8 pm local time. These actions were taken in response to the perceived imminent threat posed by Houthi vessels to US Navy ships, aiming to uphold freedom of navigation in the region.

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Of note, this marked the first reported use of an unmanned underwater vessel by the Houthis since the attacks commenced in October, as per US Central Command’s observations.

Taking to the social media platform X, CENTCOM provided further details, emphasizing the defensive nature of the strikes and the identification of the Houthi-controlled vessels as imminent threats to US Navy ships and merchant vessels. These actions were aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and enhancing the safety and security of international waters for all vessels.

These strikes occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, with Houthi fighters carrying out attacks on commercial and military shipping since November.