U.S. Conducts Self-Defense Strikes in Yemen, Houthis Claim Anglo-American Raid

Washington, D.C./Sanaa - On February 21st, U.S. forces conducted four airstrikes in Yemen, targeting mobile Houthi missiles and a drone deemed an imminent threat to maritime traffic and American warships in the Red Sea. This comes amid reports of additional airstrikes in Hodeidah and Ras Isa, with the Houthi-affiliated Almasirah claiming an "Anglo-American aggression."

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the self-defense strikes, stating they destroyed seven mobile Houthi Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles, one mobile Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile launcher, and shot down a one-way attack drone. All targets were identified as originating from Houthi-controlled areas and posing an imminent threat.

Meanwhile, Houthi media outlet Almasirah reported airstrikes in the Ras Isa area, claiming they targeted the port and were conducted jointly by the U.S. and UK. Al-Jazeera satellite television also reported strikes in Ras Isa, though the target remained unclear.

This incident adds to the ongoing tensions in Yemen, where a complex civil war has raged for nearly a decade. The Houthi rebel group, backed by Iran, has repeatedly targeted maritime traffic in the Red Sea, prompting retaliatory strikes from the U.S. and Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government.