US launches new strikes in Yemen after Houthis continue attacks on shipping

According to multiple reports, the United States launched additional strikes on targets in Yemen, where Houthi rebels were preparing to launch new attacks on international shipping on Wednesday.

The US military launched munitions from ships and submarines at Houthi-linked targets for the fourth time since Thursday after the first US-led multinational counterstrikes triggered retaliation by Houthi rebels. CBS News and The Associated Press reported, citing US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Earlier Wednesday, a drone laden with explosives struck and caused a fire aboard the Marshall Islands flag. Genco PicardyUS Central Command (CENTCOM) saidmarking the fourth reported an attack from US-led strikes against targets in Yemen.

The United States would not hesitate to take military action against the Houthis to prevent future attacks, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a briefing on Wednesday.

“They are taking advantage of this situation to carry out attacks against ships and vessels from more than 50 countries … around the world. And so we will continue to work with our partners in the region to prevent or deter these attacks in the future,” Ryder said.

At approximately 20:30 (Sanaa time) on January 17, an assessed one-way attack UAS was launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and struck the M/V Genco Picardia in the Gulf of Aden. M/V Genco Picardy is a Marshall Islands flag bulk carrier owned and operated by the United States.

There… pic.twitter.com/kAXPaCqYxV

— US Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 17, 2024

A multinational operation led by the US launched expansive strikes with aircraft, warships and submarines on ammunition depots and weapons launch sites that the Houthis have used to attack international shipping in the Red Sea on January 12. More than 150 different types of munitions struck more than 60 targets in 28 locations, Pentagon officials said.

The Pentagon has said that Thursday evening's strikes degraded the Houthis' ability to carry out further attacks. But the attacks took only 20% to 30% of the Houthis' total capacity to continue launching missiles and drones at US Navy and international maritime assets, the New York Times. reported.

“Clearly, they maintain some capability. And we anticipated that after any action there would probably be some retaliatory strikes. And that's what you're seeing now,” Ryder explained Wednesday.

Earlier Wednesday, the Biden administration relist the Houthis as a specially designated global terrorist group.

CENTCOM did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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