U.S. military strikes Houthi underwater drone in Yemen
American forces have hit an undersea drone during strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This is the first time the U.S. military has observed the group using an unmanned underwater vessel. The strikes were carried out in response to the Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial ships passing through the Red Sea.
Details of the Strikes
U.S. forces successfully struck the Houthi underwater drone, as well as three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and one unmanned surface vessel. The strikes took place between 3-8pm Yemeni time on Saturday. The targets were identified as presenting an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.
The aim of the strikes is to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety and security of international waters for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.
The Context and Response
The Houthis began their boat assaults in the Red Sea as a protest against the Israel-Hamas war. They claim to be targeting ships linked to Israel, although many of the ships attacked have no connection to Israel.
In response to the missile and drone attacks on ships, the Biden administration established a multinational maritime security force in December. Both the U.S. and U.K. have carried out strikes on Houthi targets this year in response to further attacks in the Red Sea.
Importance of Keeping the Waterways Open
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the significance of keeping the Red Sea open and maintaining the free flow of commerce. He stated that 15% of global trade flows through the Red Sea, making it a core commitment for the United States.
Cooper highlighted how unmanned underwater and surface vessels can be more difficult to detect and destroy compared to aerial drones and anti-ship missiles. The use of multiple weapons systems against one target could potentially overwhelm a ship's defenses.
