Since Friday, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) has conducted targeted strikes against Iranian-supported Houthi locations in Yemen and sites in Syria, as part of the ongoing mission to counter ISIS influence in the region. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the strikes in a briefing, detailing the operation against multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen over the weekend.
“These facilities stored advanced weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to attack U.S. and allied civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” said Ryder, noting that the strikes included F-35C fighter aircraft from both the Air Force and Navy.
The airstrikes were launched in response to recent Houthi attacks on commercial and coalition vessels navigating critical international waters, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The U.S. made clear it will impose consequences for these “illegal and reckless” actions, Ryder emphasized.
Additionally, Centcom executed airstrikes against nine sites in Syria associated with Iranian-backed groups, in response to two attacks on U.S. forces on November 10. Although no personnel were injured in the attacks, which involved a UAV and rocket fire, Centcom acted to degrade the ability of these groups to coordinate future strikes.
Centcom Commander Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla reiterated the U.S. commitment to safeguarding its personnel and coalition partners in the region: “Our message is clear. Attacks against U.S. and coalition partners will not be tolerated. We will take every necessary step to protect our personnel and respond to reckless attacks.”–News Desk