U.S. Military Conducts 13th Night of Strikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen

Why it matters locally: Ongoing disruptions to global shipping lanes, including those transiting the Suez Canal, could lead to increased costs and delays for goods destined for California ports, potentially affecting various industries and consumer prices.

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. military concluded its 13th night of strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced these actions, stating they aimed to degrade the Houthi movement's ability to continue attacks on maritime traffic. On the night of Feb. 27, U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes against Houthi assets. CENTCOM reported that these strikes destroyed two unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Houthi forces had prepared these systems for launch from areas within Yemen. CENTCOM stated that the USVs and UAVs posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea region. These military operations occur amid an ongoing series of Houthi attacks targeting commercial shipping and naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Houthi forces have launched over 150 attacks since Nov. 19, 2023. These incidents have impacted commercial vessels from more than 15 nations. They have also forced over 10 of the world's largest shipping companies to alter their routes. The Houthi attacks have caused disruptions to global shipping, impacting the movement of goods through a critical international waterway. The U.S. and its allies have emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.