Iran’s Houthi Front Situation Recap Report
August 1-6, 2024
CENTCOM Destroys Houthi Uncrewed Systems
In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command forces successfully destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial systems launched from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden, one in a Houthi-controlled area, and one Houthi uncrewed surface vessel, aerial vehicle, and anti-ship ballistic missile in the Red Sea. These actions neutralized imminent threats to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels.
Houthi Forces Shoot Down American MQ-9 Drone Over Saada
Houthi-aligned forces in Yemen reported the successful engagement and neutralization of an American MQ-9 Reaper UAV over Saada province. Utilizing a domestically manufactured surface-to-air missile system, the Houthi air defense units achieved a direct hit on the high-value target. Brigadier General Yahya Sarie, the military spokesman, confirmed the downing marks the seventh MQ-9 drone eliminated as part of their ongoing operation, “Promised Conquest and the Holy Jihad,” conducted in support of Palestinian forces in Gaza.
Houthis Target MV Groton Near Aden; Vessel Diverts to Djibouti
A commercial vessel, the Liberia-flagged MV Groton, was struck by Houthi ballistic missiles off Yemen, marking the first attack on shipping lanes in two weeks. The vessel, en route from Dubai to Jeddah, was hit by a missile 125 nautical miles east of Aden, causing minor damage without any water ingress or oil spills. The Joint Maritime Information Centre confirmed the crew’s safety and the ship’s diversion to a nearby port. This incident follows a pattern of Houthi aggression that has targeted over 70 ships since November, significantly disrupting global trade routes. All crew members were reported safe, with no fires, water leaks, or oil spills.
Explosion Rocks Hodeidah Oil Tank Post-Israeli Airstrikes
An oil tank exploded today at Hodeidah port in Yemen, a week after Israeli airstrikes targeted the area. Tank No. 38 ignited, causing flames to rise, just two days after fires from the initial attacks were extinguished. The Israeli raids aimed at Houthi military targets were in response to recent attacks against Israel. The bombing caused significant damage, burning most of the port’s fuel tanks, which took five days to control. Since the Gaza war began, Houthis have targeted Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea, prompting a US-led coalition to conduct retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi sites in Yemen.
MASAM Destroys Houthi Underwater Missile Off Bab al-Mandab
The Saudi Project for Clearing Yemeni Lands of Mines (MASAM) announced the successful destruction of an unexploded Houthi missile found underwater in the Al-Ardi area off the Bab al-Mandab coast. The explosion, conducted at a depth of nine meters, is the first operation of its kind by MASAM. The missile posed a threat to fishermen and divers. Prompted by a report from local fishermen, MASAM’s team took immediate action to neutralize the danger, ensuring the safety of the marine environment. Additionally, MASAM destroyed 26 pieces of explosive materials, including anti-tank mines and various shells, in Jabal al-Nar, Al-Mokha District.
USS Abraham Lincoln Steams Towards Red Sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is en route to the Red Sea to relieve the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) as part of the U.S. Navy’s carrier rotations in the Middle East. This move follows increased regional tensions, including missile attacks by the Houthis. The deployment highlights the U.S. Navy’s struggle to maintain consistent carrier presence due to stretched resources.
Three Filipino Seafarers in Yemen Suffer Malaria Amid Detention
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers is striving to free 17 Filipino crew members held by the Houthis in Yemen for 261 days, with three recently hospitalized due to malaria. Iran has also detained various ships in the Strait of Hormuz over the past year, with crews held for months. The last three Filipinos on the MSC Aries containership have returned home after three months in Iran. The International Chamber of Shipping condemns these detentions as violations of international law and fundamental principles of freedom of navigation.
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📌 In case you missed it,
📰 THE EARLY PHOENIX August 1, 2024
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