US conducts strikes against Houthi underwater vessel for the first time since Red Sea attacks began

On Saturday, the US conducted strikes against Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and vessels, including on the first unmanned underwater vessel the the Iranian-backed rebel group has used since the attacks in the Red Sea began, according to US Central Command.

The US struck five times against three anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel and one unmanned surface vessel between 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday local time, CENTCOM said.

The unmanned underwater vessel attack marks a new strategy for the Houthis and comes in spite of continued US airstrikes against the rebel group.

Houthis have been attacking US targets and commercial shipping in the Red Sea since Israel invaded Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks. 

The Houthi attacks have forced some of the world’s biggest shipping and oil companies to stop using the route – one of the most important trade routes, which could cause a shock to the global economy.