Category: US CENTCOM

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 26, 2024

Release Number 20240226 – 01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 26, between the hours of 4:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces destroyed three unmanned surface vessels (USV), two mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), and a one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in self-defense. The USV and ASCM weapons were prepared to launch towards, and the UAV was over, the Red Sea.

CENTCOM forces identified the USVs and missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, as well as the UAV over the Red Sea, and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 25, 2024

Release Number 20240225 – 01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 24 at 11:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), the Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile likely targeting the M/V Torm Thor, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil product tanker in the Gulf of Aden. The missile impacted the water causing no damage or injuries.

Earlier in the evening, at about 9 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces shot down two one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles over the southern Red Sea in self-defense. A third UAV crashed from an assessed in-flight failure.

CENTCOM forces identified the UAVs and determined they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 24, 2024
Release Number 20240224 – 01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. (Sanaa time), USS Mason (DDG 87) shot down one Anti- Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) launched into the Gulf of Aden from Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. The missile was likely targeting MV Torm Thor, a U.S.-Flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker. Neither ship was damaged and there were no injuries. Neither USS Mason nor MV Torm Thor were damaged and there were no injuries.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 23,2024

Release Number 20240223-03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 23, between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. (Sanaa Time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea in self-defense.

CENTCOM forces identified these missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 23, 2024
Release Number 20240223 – 02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 18 between 9:30 p.m. and 10:40 p.m., Iran-backed Houthi terrorists attacked the M/V Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier. The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water. The unprovoked and reckless attack by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists caused significant damage to the ship, which caused an 18-mile oil slick. The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster. The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

MANAMA, Bahrain – Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) is proud to announce Multilateral Maritime Engagement (MME) 24.1, a symposium aimed at fostering multilateral opportunities, partnerships, and capabilities within the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).

MME 24.1 will take place from 21-22 February 2024 in Bahrain, where TF 51/5 will host military leaders from across the region to advance bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The symposium will serve as a platform for military leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UK to engage in meaningful discussions about issues facing maritime security in the region, and to collaborate on strategic planning.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 22, at approximately 5 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted self-defense strikes against four Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and two mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) that were prepared to launch from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards the Red Sea.

On Feb. 23, between 3:30 and 5 a.m., CENTCOM forces shot down three Houthi one-way attack UAV near several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. There was no damage to any ships.

CENTCOM forces identified the UAVs and ASCMs and determined they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 22, 2024
Release Number 20240222-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), on Feb 22, U.S. aircraft and a coalition warship shot down six Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Red Sea. The OWA UAVs were identified by U.S. Central Command as likely targeting U.S. and coalition warships and were an imminent threat. Later, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles from southern Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. The missiles impacted MV Islander, a Palau-flagged, U.K.-owned, cargo carrier causing one minor injury and damage. The ship is continuing its voyage.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 21,2024

Release Number 20240221-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 21, between 12:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted four self-defense strikes against seven mobile Houthi Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles and one mobile Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile launcher that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea. Additionally, during this timeframe CENTCOM forces shot down a one-way attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in self-defense.

CENTCOM forces identified the missiles, launchers and UAS originating from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to U.S. Navy ships in the region. CENTCOM forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles, launchers and UAS in self-defense. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 20, 2024
Release Number 20240220 – 02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On February 19, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:50 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for the port of Aden in Yemen. One of the missiles detonated near the ship causing minor damage. Nevertheless, her crew proceeded on course to their ultimate destination: delivering grain to Aden, Yemen, for the benefit of the Yemeni people. M/V Sea Champion has delivered humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times in the past five years.

Houthi aggression in the region has exacerbated already high levels of need in conflict-impacted Yemen, which remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 80 percent of the entire population needing humanitarian assistance. We are committed to countering the Houthis’ malign activities, which directly endanger the imports of foodstuff and humanitarian aid to Yemen.