US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a precision airstrike targeting a purported Houthi command center in Sanaa, Yemen, allegedly linked to Iran.
American forces conducted a precision airstrike on a facility in Sanaa, Yemen, described by CENTCOM as a key Houthi command and control center. This facility, according to the US military, coordinated attacks on US Navy ships and commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
CENTCOM stated this action demonstrates Washington’s commitment to protecting US and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping.
This strike follows recent Houthi missile and drone attacks against Israel and commercial ships. The Houthis claimed responsibility for a hypersonic missile launch towards Tel Aviv earlier that day; the IDF reported interception without casualties.
The Houthi movement has targeted Israeli vessels in the Red Sea and expanded attacks to include US and UK-linked ships, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Last week, the US Navy successfully repelled a Houthi attack on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM detailed that on December 9-10, the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane destroyed Houthi unmanned aerial systems and an anti-ship cruise missile, preventing civilian casualties. Additionally, on November 13, US Navy ships neutralized Houthi drones and missiles in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Launched in response to Houthi attacks, Operation Prosperity Guardian involves the US and its allies. Last month, US forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi weapons depots used for attacks on ships off the Yemeni coast. Al-Masirah television reported further US and British airstrikes targeting Hodeidah province on December 15th; the US has not yet commented on this report. Hodeidah, with its international airport and three major ports, has been repeatedly targeted.