On Wednesday, the United States conducted a retaliatory strike against Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the group's ongoing attacks on international ships in the region, as per officials. The strike focused on five areas in Yemen: Hodeidah, Taiz, Dhamar, Bayda, and Saada, according to Houthi controlled media, the Sanaa-Saba press agency.
The Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Wednesday night that the strike aimed at 14 Iranian-made Houthi missiles, "loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen." The statement emphasised the imminent threat these missiles posed to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region, justifying the U.S. forces' exercise of their right and obligation to self-defence.
While Houthi state media blamed the U.S. and the U.K. for the attacks, the U.S. was the only country acknowledging the strike. The action followed a Houthi-controlled drone striking a U.S.-flagged carrier ship in the Gulf of Aden earlier in the day, confirmed by U.S. Central Command. No injuries were reported, and the carrier ship, the M/V Genco Picardy, remains seaworthy with limited damage to its gangway.
Genco Shipping, the shipping company involved, confirmed the incident, stating that all seafarers aboard the vessel were uninjured, and the initial inspection revealed limited damage. The vessel continued its course out of the area, with the company and crew maintaining close contact with relevant authorities.
In response to the ongoing threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi militants to Middle Eastern shipping lanes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday that the U.S. would reclassify the Yemeni rebel group as a terrorist organisation. This move is part of efforts to more effectively restrict the group's access to financial support. Blinken assured that the restrictions and penalties associated with the designation would have a 30-day delay to minimise the impact on the flow of aid and commercial goods to Yemeni civilians.
Blinken underscored the need for accountability for Houthi actions but emphasised that it should not come at the expense of Yemeni civilians. He also noted that the decision could be reversed if the Houthis ceased their assault on maritime traffic.
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