US struggles with delicate diplomatic balance it discloses of executing 2 strikes against 6 Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles in Red Sea

Washington, Mar 1: In an official statement on Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed its execution of two self-defense strikes, countering six anti-ship cruise missiles poised for launch into the Red Sea. Simultaneously, CENTCOM successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea.

 

 

 

 

The announcement, posted on platform X, detailed the events on Feb. 29, occurring between 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. (Sanaa time). US Central Command forces took prompt action against the identified threat, launching the defensive strikes and neutralizing the missiles. Earlier that same evening, around 5:10 p.m. (Sanaa time), US Central Command forces engaged and downed a UAV, reiterating their commitment to self-defense.

 

 

 

 

The US Central Command forces, evaluating the situation, determined that the missiles and UAV posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. Emphasizing the importance of these actions, the statement underscored their role in protecting freedom of navigation and enhancing the overall safety and security of international waters for both US Navy and merchant vessels.

 

 

 

 

 

The defensive maneuvers occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, marked by Houthi fighters' persistent attacks on commercial and military shipping since November. On Feb. 28, US Central Command reported another decisive move, with US aircraft and a coalition warship intercepting and downing five Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) UAVs in the Red Sea, taking place between 9:50 pm to 10:55 pm (Sanaa time). These UAVs were identified as originating from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, prompting immediate action due to the imminent threat they posed to merchant vessels, the US Navy, and coalition ships in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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