The United States military has announced that the Houthi group, Ansar Allah, launched two ballistic missiles towards cargo ships sailing in the Red Sea on Tuesday night. The White House has labeled the Houthi group as "rebellious," asserting that Washington is prepared to defend itself against their attacks in the Red Sea.
The military further noted that the two missiles fired by the Houthi group fell into the water without causing any injuries or damage.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) also reported that the Houthis targeted a region in the southern Red Sea with two anti-ship ballistic missiles, where several commercial vessels were navigating.
This event marks the 24th attack on commercial ships in the Red Sea since mid-November, according to CENTCOM.
This news comes after the British Maritime Security Agency announced explosions near a cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, between the coasts of Yemen and Eritrea, in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting in New York today, Wednesday, to discuss the file on attacks carried out by the Houthis in the Red Sea, as reported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Washington Protects its Forces
In response to these threats, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre described the Houthis as a "rebel organization" on Tuesday, underscoring that the United States takes the actions of this group seriously.
She added that Washington is ready to respond in self-defense if necessary, emphasizing that President Joe Biden is committed to the protection of U.S. forces abroad. This refers to the Houthi attack on a commercial ship and American helicopters that attempted to defend it on December 31.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have launched drone and missile attacks on Israeli ships or those heading to Israel while sailing off the coasts of Yemen. The Houthis claim this is in retaliation to the ongoing Israeli aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip and have stated that the attacks will not cease until the war ends.