The United States launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday, hours after the Iran-backed group fired a missile that struck Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces targeted a Houthi missile storage center and a command-and-control facility. The strikes aimed to “disrupt and degrade Houthi operations,” which have included attacks on U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

CENTCOM Conducts Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Houthi Missile Storage and Command/Control Facilities in Yemen

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by… pic.twitter.com/YRWWQJIweP

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 21, 2024

In addition to the strikes, U.S. forces intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. However, in a rare incident, two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down in a friendly fire incident when the USS Gettysburg mistakenly targeted their F/A-18 fighter jet. Both pilots ejected and were rescued, with one sustaining minor injuries.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the Tel Aviv attack, claiming they had fired a ballistic missile at an Israeli military site. The IDF confirmed the missile was not intercepted and struck a residential area, prompting further Israeli airstrikes on Houthi positions in Sanaa and Hodeida.

The Houthis have vowed to continue attacks on Israel until the conflict in Gaza ends, contributing to growing instability in the region. Since October 7, the Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel, with most intercepted before reaching their targets.

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