US military says destroyed missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen

On April 11, 2024, the United States military announced that it had successfully intercepted and destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) that was launched from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. The incident occurred in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The CENTCOM statement, released through written communication, reported that no injuries or damage were sustained by any U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels as a result of the interception. The command did not provide further details regarding the specific location or timing of the launch or the interception itself.

The Houthis, a Zaidi Shia rebel group, have been in control of large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since 2014. They have been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the internationally recognized government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis have been accused by the international community, including the United States, of launching numerous missile attacks against neighboring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The use of ASBMs by the Houthis is a significant escalation in the conflict, as these types of weapons have a longer range and greater destructive capacity compared to the short-range projectiles they have previously employed. The launching of such a weapon against shipping targets in the Red Sea could potentially disrupt international maritime traffic and threaten the security of global energy supplies, as the Red Sea is a crucial shipping lane for oil and other commodities.

The United States, along with its allies, has been providing military support to the Saudi-led coalition in the conflict in Yemen. The U.S. has also been conducting naval patrols in the region to protect commercial shipping and ensure the free flow of commerce.

The interception of the ASBM marks the latest development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has resulted in the deaths and displacement of thousands of civilians and caused widespread humanitarian suffering. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

The United States and its allies have condemned the Houthis for their use of ballistic missiles and other weapons against civilian targets and have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the group. The Houthis have denied targeting civilians and have accused the Saudi-led coalition of indiscriminate bombing and targeting civilian infrastructure.

The interception of the ASBM is a reminder of the complex and volatile situation in Yemen and the potential risks to regional and international security posed by the ongoing conflict. The international community will continue to closely monitor the situation and work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.