During the evening hours in Sanaa, events unfolded as U.S. Central Command forces engaged in two self-defense strikes aimed at six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that had been positioned and prepared for launch toward the Red Sea. The operation was carried out as a defensive measure to deter potential threats to maritime traffic and regional security, and CENTCOM publicly documented the actions through its official social media channels to provide timely information to the public and allied partners.
On the same night, CENTCOM reported the destruction of a remotely piloted aerial vehicle over the southern Red Sea as another defensive action in response to imminent danger. This additional strike was described as part of a broader effort to safeguard critical sea lanes and ensure the safety of commercial vessels operating in the area.
CENTCOM explained that both the missiles and the unmanned aircraft posed a direct threat to U.S. flag vessels, allied ships, and commercial maritime traffic transiting the region. The command emphasized that the measures taken were necessary to preserve safe passage for maritime movements and to maintain regional security in the face of aggressive activity.
Earlier updates indicated that Houthi forces had communicated intentions to target merchant shipping in the Red Sea on a recurring basis, suggesting a pattern of risk to commercial lanes in the area and prompting continued vigilance by regional security partners and international shipping interests .