US launches airstrike on Houthi command center in Yemen

The airstrike, carried out by US forces, targeted a command center used by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. This attack is part of the US effort to stop the Houthi movement from threatening US Navy warships and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The facility in Sanaa was a major base for the Houthis to plan and coordinate attacks. These attacks have involved missiles and drones aimed at both commercial and military vessels. US Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized that the airstrike was meant to protect US and coalition forces, as well as ensure the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.

The strike comes after a series of tensions involving the Houthi rebels. The group recently claimed to have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, Israel. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that missile was intercepted successfully without any casualties. The Houthis have increasingly targeted Israeli ships in the Red Sea and have also threatened US and UK-linked vessels. They say these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Earlier this year, the US Navy stopped Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden. In December, two US destroyers, the USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane, destroyed multiple drones and a cruise missile. 

This prevented damage to civilian vessels. In November, US ships also intercepted and neutralized missiles and drones launched by the Houthis while passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

To address the rising threat, the US and its allies launched Operation Prosperity Guardian last year. This operation was a response to the Houthi attacks on ships in the region. The US has also conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, targeting weapon storage sites used for these attacks.

On December 15, a Houthi TV station reported that US and British planes had targeted Yemen's Hodeidah province. Hodeidah is a critical area that includes a major international airport and important ports. 

However, the US has not confirmed or commented on this report. Hodeidah has been a frequent target of airstrikes in the ongoing conflict.

The situation remains tense, with the US continuing to monitor and respond to the actions of the Houthi rebels. These airstrikes highlight the growing concern over the security of international trade routes and the protection of civilians in the region.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, the US remains committed to defending its interests and those of its allies. The Pentagon’s actions signal a clear message that attacks on shipping and military personnel will not be tolerated. The international community is watching closely as the situation develops.