On Wednesday, American soldiers intercepted a missile belonging to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, claiming it presented an imminent threat to US aircraft.
The US has launched strikes on the Houthis both unilaterally and in collaboration with Britain, but prior air raids were aimed at limiting the rebels’ capacity to target international shipping rather than addressing a threat to planes.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that troops destroyed a Houthi missile poised for launch, recognizing its impending threat to US aircraft.
CENTCOM did not specify the type of aircraft targeted or the precise location of the hit, merely stating that it occurred in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Houthi-run Al-Masirah television had earlier reported that US and UK aircraft had bombed the northern city of Saada but did not specify the target or provide details on damage or casualties.
The rebels began targeting Red Sea cargo in November, claiming they were attacking Israeli-linked vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza, which has been devastated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
US and UK military have responded by striking the Houthis, who have since deemed US and British interests to be valid targets as well.
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