U.S. Strikes Ports, Cities in Western Yemen

A spokesperson for Yemen’s government told Reuters that airstrikes conducted by the U.S. have struck port cities and small towns in western Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuries to 14 others.

U.S. Central Command (Centcom) disclosed that it executed six strikes on Monday, targeting areas under Houthi control. Centcom asserted that the strikes were carried out to eliminate an imminent threat posed by an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles, which it claimed could endanger merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

Contrary to earlier reports, the U.K. Ministry of Defense clarified that Britain was not involved in the airstrikes.

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping routes, compelling companies to divert their vessels on longer and costlier journeys around southern Africa.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea declared on Tuesday that the group would intensify military operations during the month of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Sarea also claimed that the “U.S. ship Pinocchio” was targeted in the Red Sea with missiles, though Centcom stated that the vessel was unaffected, with no injuries or damage reported.