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U.S. Military Destroys Drones in Yemen Amid Heightened Tensions with Houthi Rebels
The conflict between the Houthi rebels and pro-government forces, backed by a coalition of Gulf Arab states, has endured since 2014.
The U.S. military reported on Sunday that it had conducted operations to destroy two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Yemen, one over the Red Sea and another on the ground in a Houthi rebel-held area. These actions mark the latest development in an ongoing period of tension between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the United States.
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According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the drones, destroyed on Saturday morning, posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels operating in the region. CENTCOM clarified that one drone was intercepted over the Red Sea, while the second was neutralized on the ground just as it was being prepared for launch.
In a statement, CENTCOM emphasized that these actions were necessary to safeguard the safety of their forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and enhance the security of international waters for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels alike.
The Houthi rebels, who control significant portions of Yemen’s north and west, have not yet issued a response to the U.S. military’s announcement.
The recent escalation in hostilities follows a pattern of drone and missile attacks launched by the Houthi rebels, particularly targeting shipping in the Red Sea since November. Although the rebels have also targeted Israel with missile attacks, their stated motive has been to pressure Israel to halt its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, the vessels targeted by the Houthis have had minimal to no connection with Israel, the U.S., or other parties involved in the conflict.
Despite over two months of U.S.-led airstrikes, the Houthi rebels have persisted in their campaign of attacks. Earlier this month, CENTCOM reported the destruction of four UAVs in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, along with attempted missile launches towards the Red Sea, though no casualties or damages were reported.
The ongoing conflict In Yemen, coupled with the Israel-Hamas war, has had broader implications for diplomatic efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis. The U.N. envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, informed the U.N. Security Council in mid-March of the challenges facing efforts to relaunch political talks amid escalating tensions in the region.
The conflict between the Houthi rebels and pro-government forces, backed by a coalition of Gulf Arab states, has endured since 2014. The violence has claimed the lives of over 150,000 people and displaced millions, despite a decrease in fighting following a truce in April 2022. However, hotspots of conflict still persist throughout the country.
