In a decisive move, the United States has unleashed a series of attacks on Houthi-controlled radar sites in Yemen, as well as multiple air and sea drones deployed by the Iran-backed terrorists, according to officials. The strikes were prompted by a recent string of Houthi attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, which has resulted in the disappearance of at least one commercial sailor, authorities have reported.

Over the course of 24 hours, the US Central Command confirmed the successful elimination of seven radar installations within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. Central Command highlighted that these radar systems enabled the Houthis to target maritime vessels, thus placing commercial shipping at risk.

Furthermore, US forces neutralized two Houthi-deployed drone boats in the Red Sea, alongside an aerial drone launched by the terrorists over the waterway, Central Command revealed.

The Houthis have claimed that their actions in the Red Sea were aimed at supporting an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it has become evident that the terror group frequently targets ships and sailors with no connection to the fighting in Gaza. As a result of these repeated attacks, traffic in the Red Sea has slashed in half, severely impacting one of the world's busiest trading routes and an essential corridor for cargo and energy shipments between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Recent events have also brought attention to the disappearance of a merchant sailor from the Philippines, following an assault on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned Tutor cargo ship. The sailor's 22 crewmates were successfully rescued by the USS Philippine Sea and partner forces, but the Tutor itself remains in the Red Sea and is slowly taking on water, according to Central Command.

Authorities have identified the missing sailor as being from the Philippines. Hans Leo Cacdac, the Philippines' migrant workers minister, expressed determination in finding the seafarer still onboard the stricken vessel. Cacdac stated, "It just boils down to finding our seafarer who is still onboard."

The extent of such attacks by the Houthis on shipping vessels has been alarming, with over 50 recorded incidents since November. This has tragically led to the loss of three sailors and the seizure and sinking of one ship, as reported by the US Maritime Administration.

The US response serves as a clear message of resistance against the Houthis and their disruptive activities in the Red Sea. With these counter-attacks, the US aims to safeguard maritime traffic in the vital trade route while also addressing the wider threat posed by the Iran-backed terrorist group.