Chicago – January 16, 2024
Houthi militants struck a ship in the Red Sea Monday with a ballistic missile, days after a U.S.-led coalition launched dozens of missiles and airstrikes aimed at ending the attacks commercial shipping that began in late November, U.S. Central Command announced.
The missile struck the M/V Gibralter Eagle, a U.S. owned and operated container ship, but caused no reported injuries or significant damage. The ship continued on its route, according to Central Command.
A U.S. Navy destroyer fired missiles at a Houthi radar site in Yemen early Saturday, a second-day attack against militants that followed American and British airstrikes late Thursday.
Saturday’s airstrike was against a radar installation that militants used to locate and attack commercial ships in the Red Sea, defense officials said. Its location was not disclosed.
Thursday’s attack was widespread, hitting more than 60 military targets in at least 28 locations in retaliation for months long Houthi strikes on commercial vessels.
The two strikes are a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in Middle East fighting since the Israel-Hamas war began Oct. 7. Strikes came from air and naval forces and focused on positions connected with Houthi military activity.
The Houthis, a militia group based in Yemen and backed by Iran, began attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea shortly after Hamas invaded Israel. Houthi leaders said the attacks were in support of Hamas.
