The US said Saturday it conducted a self-defense strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile in the Red Sea.
"U.S. Conducts Self-Defense Strike Against Houthi Anti-Ship Missile On Jan. 27 at approximately 3:45 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch," US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.
US forces determined that the missile presented an "imminent threat" to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, it added.
It said US forces destroyed the missile in self-defense. "This action will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels," it added.
Tensions have escalated in the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships that allegedly have links with Israel.
The Houthis said the attacks are to pressure Israel to halt its deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 26,000 victims since an Oct. 7 cross-border offensive by the Palestinian group, Hamas.
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