CNN
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The United States on Saturday carried out strikes against Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and ships, including the first missiles used by Iranian-backed rebels since the Red Sea offensive began, U.S. Central Command said. This included an unmanned submarine.
According to Centcom, the US carried out five attacks on three anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned submarine and one unmanned surface ship between 3pm and 8pm local time on Saturday.
“Centcom has identified anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned submarines, and unmanned surface vessels in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and has determined that they pose an imminent threat to U.S. naval vessels and commercial vessels in the region,” Central Command said. announced. Sunday statement.
The unmanned submarine attack marks a new strategy for the Houthis and comes despite continued US airstrikes against the rebels. Earlier this month, the US and UK attacked at least 30 Houthi targets across at least 10 locations in Yemen with the aim of “de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the Red Sea.”
The Houthis have attacked U.S. targets and commercial ships in the Red Sea since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. There are concerns that the attack could escalate Israel's war against Hamas into a broader regional conflict.
The Houthi attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend shipping through one of the most important maritime trade routes, potentially sending a shockwave through the global economy.
CNN led last week on the U.S. response to Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea, as the Navy operates at a breakneck pace, deploying jets and firing missiles in an effort to destroy Houthi weapons and infrastructure. He was on board two ships.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN's Jack Forrest, Natasha Bertrand, Oren Lieberman, Haley Britsky and Christian Edwards.
