US Conducts Retaliatory Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen, Marking First F-35C Combat Use

In a significant military operation, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. forces carried out retaliatory strikes against Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen. The strikes took place over the weekend and were in response to the repeated and unlawful attacks by Houthi rebels on international commercial shipping vessels, as well as U.S. and coalition forces in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.

Targets and Assets Involved

The targeted facilities were located in Houthi-controlled territories and contained a range of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iranian-backed Houthis to threaten U.S. and international military vessels, as well as civilian vessels operating in the region. U.S. Air Force and Navy assets, including the F-35C stealth strike fighter, were deployed in the operation, marking a significant milestone as it was the first time the F-35C was used in combat, as confirmed by a U.S. defense official.

Response to Houthi Attacks

The strikes were specifically aimed at degrading the Houthis' ability to pose a threat to international shipping and regional partners. Additional assets involved in the operation included U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Spruance (DDG 111), along with U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft, which successfully intercepted and defeated a variety of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Engagement and Success

According to CENTCOM, the forces successfully engaged and neutralized eight one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), five anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), and four anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), ensuring the safety of ships and personnel in the area. Notably, U.S. personnel and facilities were not harmed during the operation.

Ongoing Efforts and Strategic Significance

These operations are indicative of the ongoing commitment of U.S. forces to protect personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, while also striving to maintain security and stability in the region. CENTCOM emphasized that these actions reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding U.S. interests and allies in the face of eU.S. forces conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi weapons facilities in Yemen to protect international shipping and regional stability, employing advanced military assets volving threats.

Retaliatory Strikes in Syria

Following the strikes in Yemen, CENTCOM conducted retaliatory strikes against Iranian-associated targets in Syria. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder revealed that U.S. Centcom forces targeted nine locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to multiple attacks on U.S. personnel in the region over a 24-hour period. The strikes were aimed at degrading the Iranian-backed groups' ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and coalition forces engaged in counter-ISIS operations.