TAMPA, Fla. – Over the past week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully neutralized 20 Iranian-supplied one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWAUAS) and Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs) in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR). These weapons, launched sporadically by the Houthis and Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs), posed a significant threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as civilians in the region. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets operating in the region played a critical role in downing the drones and missiles.
Fortunately, no U.S. service members were harmed in these actions. The U.S. military, alongside its coalition partners, remains on high alert and stands ready to defend U.S. interests and the safety of its allies in the region.
Recent Operations Timeline:
- Oct. 11 Airstrikes on ISIS: CENTCOM forces conducted a series of airstrikes on multiple ISIS camps in Syria, killing at least 35 ISIS operatives, including several key leaders. The operation disrupted ISIS’s ability to plan and execute attacks. Battle damage assessments indicate no civilian casualties.
- Deployment of THAAD to Israel (Oct. 13): In response to Iran’s attacks on Israel earlier this year, President Biden authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to reinforce Israel’s air defense system, further integrating it into the regional defense network.
- Houthi Missile and UAS Strikes: CENTCOM successfully targeted a Houthi Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher and related radar, as well as multiple UAS Ground Control Stations used by the Houthis to target U.S. and coalition forces in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- Rocket Attacks on CJTF-OIR Forces: Twice in the past week, rockets launched by Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs) were intercepted without any harm to U.S. forces.
- Oct. 16 Strikes on Houthi Weapon Facilities: CENTCOM conducted airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen. These facilities housed advanced conventional weapons used to threaten international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were deployed as part of the operation, striking hardened underground missile storage sites.
CENTCOM’s ongoing operations reflect the U.S. military’s continued commitment to regional stability, the defeat of terrorist organizations, and the protection of global shipping lanes from the threat of hostile militias and state-sponsored attacks.–News Desk