Iran-Backed Houthis Fire More Missiles into Red Sea After Reported Decline in Attacks

Iran-Backed Houthis Fire More Missiles into Red Sea After Reported Decline in Attacks


Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea in the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command confirmed Tuesday, shortly after Greece reported a decline in attacks over the past week.

Central Command stated that the ASBMs were launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, but no injuries or damage were reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

“This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” Central Command said in a statement.

Earlier on Tuesday, Greek Shipping Minister Christos Stylianides credited enhanced international cooperation between naval missions in the Red Sea for reducing the number of Houthi attacks.

“For us, it is a satisfaction that during the past week we see a notable reduction in the number and intensity of attacks,” Stylianides told Reuters. “It is another proof that the international community with decisiveness can stop this.”

The Houthis have been targeting shipping vessels in the Red Sea since late October, claiming the attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Since November, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on ships, resulting in three deaths, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

In response, the Pentagon initiated an international mission named Operation Prosperity Guardian in late December to counter the Houthi attacks.

Over the weekend, joint British-U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthis in Yemen resulted in at least 16 deaths and dozens of injuries.


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