In a recent attention-grabbing development, the United States carried out strikes against Huthi anti-ship cruise missiles and various vessels, including the first unmanned mini-submarine ever used by the Iran-backed rebel group. These attacks, carried out between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, were orchestrated by CENTCOM.
According to the Central Command statement, five strikes were carried out against three anti-ship cruise missiles, a mini-unmanned submarine and an unmanned surface vehicle, all located in Huthi-controlled areas in Yemen. These objects posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant ships in the region.
The attack using an unmanned mini-submarine marks a new strategy for the Huthis and comes despite continued US strikes against the rebel group. Earlier this month, the United States and the United Kingdom targeted at least 30 Houthi targets in at least 10 locations in Yemen in an effort to “deescalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”
The Huthis have attacked US targets and commercial ships in the Red Sea since Israel invaded Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7. These attacks raise fears that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
The Huthi attacks have forced some of the world’s largest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the most important maritime trade routes, potentially causing a shock to the global economy.
Last month, CNN was aboard two ships leading the US response to Huthi attacks in the southern Red Sea, while the Navy worked at a breakneck pace to deploy fighter jets and launch missiles in one wink in an attempt to destroy the weapons and infrastructure of the Huthis.
This story will be updated with additional information.