US destroys Houthi anti-ship missiles 'prepared to launch' on US ships

US forces have conducted more strikes against Houthi anti-ship missiles.

"On Jan. 20 at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time), US Central Command forces conducted airstrikes against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed into the Gulf of Aden", the U.S. military said on X, formerly Twitter.

This latest strike follows the US reporting that it destroyed three Houthi anti-ship missiles "present in the Red Sea, on Jan. 19 at approximately 6:45 p.m".

• Defence Secretary discusses Red Sea mission on board one of the world's most advanced vessels
• Majority of British public back Government's Yemen strikes, survey says
• UK prepared to back words with actions against Houthis in Yemen, says Sunak

The US forces determined that the missiles "presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region".

On both occasions the US Central Command said that the missiles "were prepared to launch" and acting out of self-defence, "subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles".

They added: "This action will make international waters safe and secure for U.S. navy vessels and merchant vessels".

Attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia on ships in and around the Red Sea for the last few weeks have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers in an escalation of the war in Gaza.

The Houthis, who control the most populous part of Yemen, say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians under attack from Israel in Gaza.

Since last week, the US has been launching strikes, on Houthi targets in Yemen, and this week returned the militia to a list of "terrorist" groups.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said earlier this week that the UK's strikes against the Houthis in the Red Sea should serve as a "direct blueprint for how the UK must continue to lead".

Mr Shapps added that the precision strikes by the UK and US last week were authorised because the Houthis "chose to ignore" clear warnings.

The Defence Secretary recently praised the personnel stationed at RAF Akrotiri.

During a visit, he thanked them for "their dedication and professionalism",  with Royal Air Force Typhoon jets taking off from the Cyprus base earlier this month to strike Houthi targets in Yemen.

Mr Shapps also this week spoke to the crew of HMS Diamond - one of the most advanced warships in the world - which successfully repelled the largest Houthi attack to date.

He was welcomed on board the Type 45 air defence destroyer to discuss her ongoing mission in the Red Sea.