In the latest move to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday its sixth airstrike on Houthi weaponry in the region of the Red Sea. The airstrike, conducted by U.S. forces at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time) on January 20, targeted a Houthi anti-ship missile that was prepared to launch into the Gulf of Aden.

According to the statement released by USCENTCOM, the decision to conduct the airstrike was made after U.S. forces assessed that the missile posed a threat to both merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the area. The missile was successfully destroyed in self-defense.

The continued airstrikes against the Houthis come as a result of the recent coalition strikes led by the United States and United Kingdom. This ongoing effort aims to enhance the safety and security of international waters, particularly for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels operating in the region.

President Biden affirmed on Thursday that military strikes against the Iran-backed Yemeni group will persist as long as they continue to target ships in the Red Sea. While speaking to reporters before departing for a domestic policy speech, President Biden emphasized that these actions are intended to deter future attacks and hold the Houthis accountable.

The State Department, in response to the recurrent attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, reclassified the Houthis as a terrorist organization earlier this week. As a result, they will be placed on the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) list, triggering sanctions that aim to prevent further disruption of global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Despite the airstrikes launched by the U.S. and its allies, the Houthi attacks on commercial ships have not ceased. The group claims that these attacks are a direct response to Israel's military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the situation in the Red Sea region remains tense, USCENTCOM's continued commitment to safeguarding maritime security is crucial. The international community will closely observe the developments in hopes of restoring stability and ensuring the safety of all vessels navigating these waters.