US Navy Thwarts Massive Houthi Attack in the Gulf of Aden

The United States Navy successfully repelled the largest single attack from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen to date, involving over 175 attacks since November.

In a significant development, the US Navy has decisively defeated the most substantial attack launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, effectively safeguarding commercial shipping in the vital Gulf of Aden. The surge in attacks, which commenced earlier this month following joint US-UK airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, had escalated to over 175 incidents.

The joint strikes, carried out by F-18 fighter jets from the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier, targeted Houthi weapons storage facilities, missile launchers, and a command-and-control center. However, the Houthis' relentless assault continued, prompting the US Navy to deploy its formidable capabilities to protect the region's maritime trade routes.

On Sunday, US Central Command reported that the Houthis had launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) from Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. One ASBM struck the Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned container ship M/V Tavvishi, causing damage but not preventing it from continuing its voyage.

A coalition ship swiftly intercepted and destroyed the second ASBM, foiling its intended target. Shortly after, the Houthis launched another attack involving one ASBM and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), both of which struck the M/V Norderney, a cargo ship flagged and operated by Germany. The M/V Norderney also sustained damage but managed to remain afloat.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either cargo ship incident. The Houthis have been aggressively targeting vessels in the Red Sea since late October, claiming their actions are in retaliation for Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Their relentless attacks have disrupted maritime trade and claimed the lives of three sailors, while also leading to the seizure of one vessel and the sinking of another.

In response to the escalating threat, the Pentagon initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian in late December, an international mission designed to counter Houthi attacks. The operation has involved the deployment of naval assets from various allied nations, including warships and surveillance aircraft.

The US Navy's decisive action in neutralizing the largest Houthi attack to date demonstrates its unwavering commitment to securing the vital waterways of the Gulf of Aden. The operation reinforces the Navy's capabilities in safeguarding global commerce and has effectively deterred further Houthi attacks in the region.

As the conflict in Yemen continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the Houthis' destabilizing actions and their continued reliance on Iranian support. The US Navy's latest victory sends a clear message that the Houthis' attempts to disrupt maritime trade will not be tolerated and that the international community stands firmly behind the freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping.