CENTCOM conducting strikes on Houthi military facilities in Yemen's Sana'a

Initially, reports attributed the attack to Israel but then shifted to the US.

CENTCOM Conducts Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Houthi Missile Storage and Command/Control Facilities in Yemen, Dec 21 (CENTCOM)

The US began conducting strikes on Iran-backed Houthi missile storage and command facilities in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, on Saturday night, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.

CENTCOM said it was carrying out precision airstrikes in order to "disrupt and degrade Houthi operations."

CENTCOM added that the attacks on US Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden were the reasons for their strikes on December 21.

 Greek-flagged bulk cargo vessel Sea Champion is docked to the port of Aden, Yemen to which it arrived after being attacked in the Red Sea in what appears to have been a mistaken missile strike by Houthi militia, February 21, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Fawaz Salman)
Greek-flagged bulk cargo vessel Sea Champion is docked to the port of Aden, Yemen to which it arrived after being attacked in the Red Sea in what appears to have been a mistaken missile strike by Houthi militia, February 21, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Fawaz Salman)

During the operation, CENTCOM forces reportedly also shot down multiple Houthi one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) over the Red Sea.

The operation comprised of US Air Force and US Navy, including F/A-18s.

"The strike reflects CENTCOM's ongoing commitment to protect US and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping," the statement added.

False attribution to Israel

Initially, reports attributed the attack to Israel but then shifted to the US.

This marks the fourth time the US has struck Yemen this week. The attacks renewed after the US aircraft carrier "Harry Truman" returned to the region.

The Houthis have carried out multiple attacks on international maritime vessels, disrupting trade routes since the start of the Israel-Hamas War.