American forces destroyed four explosive-loaded drone boats and seven mobile anti-ship cruise missile launchers Thursday that could target vessels in the Red Sea, the U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.
CENTCOM added that its forces responded to an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.
Since November, the Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over and targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.
In recent weeks, the United States and the United Kingdom, backed by other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites for its attacks.
A German frigate set sail Thursday to take part in the European Union mission to help defend cargo ships from Houthi attacks.
EU foreign ministers are expected to sign off on a Red Sea mission on Feb. 19 with seven countries ready to provide ships or planes.