In response to escalating threats against maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States military launched precision strikes on Wednesday, targeting weapon storage facilities used by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes on two underground advanced conventional weapon depots within Houthi-controlled territory. The military emphasized that the operation caused no harm to U.S. personnel or equipment, but did not disclose whether any Houthi casualties resulted.

A Houthi target destroyed by U.S. forces in Yemen on November 9, 2024. (CENTCOM)

CENTCOM stated that these actions aim to curb the Houthi's Iran-backed efforts to endanger regional allies, military ships, and commercial vessels. The specific locations within Yemen were not revealed by the U.S. military. However, Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV reported five raids in the Amran province and two in the Sanaa province, home to the capital city of Sanaa.

This strike marks the latest in a series of U.S. actions against Houthi targets in recent weeks, including at least three strikes last month on command centers, weapons production sites, and storage facilities. Additionally, the U.S. successfully thwarted two Houthi attempts to attack ships just in December.

Houthi supporters rallying in support of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Sanaa, Yemen, on November 8, 2024. (Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)

Houthi aggression has been on the rise, particularly since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, with increased targeting of Israeli interests. While conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has decreased following cease-fire agreements, the Houthis have intensified their activities, including reported missile launches from over 1,200 miles away toward Israel. This poses not only a direct threat to Israel but also disrupts shipping routes and air travel.

The oil tanker Sounion ablaze in the Red Sea after Houthi attacks on September 14, 2024. (European Union's Operation Aspides via AP)

Israel has issued a stern warning that continued Houthi attacks will provoke retaliation similar to that taken against other Iran-backed groups. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Houthi leaders will be targeted and struck, echoing actions taken in other regions.