Avast, ye scurvy dogs of Houthi! CENTCOM be sayin', "We shan't abide yer illegal and perilous antics, mateys!" Arrr!
2024-01-11
Arrr, U.S. Central Command be sayin' the strikes be in response to them scurvy Iranian-backed Houthi rebels' 'illegal and dangerous actions.' President Biden be warnin' that more strikes may be called fer. Avast ye, the seas be gettin' stormy!
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) has announced that U.S. military forces, along with the United Kingdom and support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, conducted "multilateral coalition strikes" on Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. These strikes were in response to the Houthi rebels launching missiles and carrying out attacks on commercial shipping and trade vessels in the Red Sea. General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander, held the Houthi militants and their Iranian sponsors responsible for these attacks, stating that their actions will not be tolerated and they will be held accountable.Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, U.S. Air Forces Central and Combined Forces Air Component Commander, also responded to the strikes, highlighting that over 60 targets were hit, including command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems. The strikes were executed using coalition air and maritime assets, including U.S. Naval Forces Central Command aircraft and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.
President Biden authorized these strikes, citing the unprecedented Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea. He emphasized his commitment to protecting the people and the free flow of international commerce. The strikes targeted strategic communication systems and missile launch sites.
USCENTCOM reported that since October 2023, Houthi militants have attempted to attack and harass 27 ships in international shipping lanes. These attacks include the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. The strikes conducted by the multinational coalition were separate from Operation Prosperity Guardian, a defensive coalition operating in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
The strikes were carried out by over 15 F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. They successfully hit their targets and returned safely to the carrier. In response to the attacks, Houthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Houthi warned of a greater response to any American attack on Yemen's Houthis.
Overall, these strikes demonstrate the international community's commitment to defending against Houthi attacks and maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The U.S. and its allies will continue to take action against Iranian-backed militia groups to ensure regional security and stability.