US forces claimed to have destroyed an underwater drone and over 20 ballistic missiles in a series of strikes against Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who threatened to increase attacks in the Red Sea during Ramadan on Tuesday.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed in a statement Monday night that the strikes were conducted after the Huthis fired two missiles at the Pinocchio, a Singaporean-owned commercial ship flying the Liberian flag.
“The missiles did not impact the vessel, and there were no injuries or damage reported,” the Pentagon stated.
A few hours later, the United States “conducted six self-defence strikes destroying an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”
In a statement issued early Tuesday, the Huthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Pinocchio, claiming that the missile hit “was accurate.”.
The British maritime security agency UKMTO had previously stated that a ship in the area “reported a sound of an explosion” southwest of the Yemeni port of Salif, and that US-led coalition forces were conducting an investigation.
According to the Huthi statement, military activities will escalate during Ramadan.
Yahya Saree, the Huthi military spokesman, stated that the strikes will be “in support of the oppressed Palestinian people” including those in the Gaza Strip.
Since November, the Iran-backed Huthis, who govern the capital Sanaa, have attacked ships in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians during Israel’s assault against Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
The attacks have driven up insurance prices for vessels traveling the important commerce route, prompting many shipping companies to take the far longer path around Africa’s southern point instead.
Since January, the US and UK have launched multiple raids on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the attacks, but the rebels have not been deterred.