U.S. Strikes Houthi Command Center Amid Continuing Threats to International Shipping, Israel

Latest Developments

Control Center Coordinated Houthi Operations: U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against a command center operated by the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist group in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa on December 16. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the command-and-control facility was used to coordinate Houthi operations, including “attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.”
U.S. Carrier Strike Group Arrives: The strike comes as the Houthis continue attacking commercial ships and military vessels in the region’s international waters as they have done for more than a year, claiming that the attacks are in solidarity with their Hamas allies in Gaza. On December 15, CENTCOM, which has been operating against the Houthis and providing safe passage for vessels through the area, announced that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which arrived in its area of responsibility, “deployed to ensure regional stability and security.”
Houthis Launched Ballistic Missile at Israel: The Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Israel on December 16, setting off sirens throughout the central part of the country. The IDF said that it successfully intercepted the missile before it crossed Israel’s border, adding that the sirens were a precaution against falling shrapnel. The attack followed an earlier interception of a Houthi drone by the Israeli Navy. Israeli media reported later on December 16 that the military was preparing a response against Houthi targets in Yemen following that day’s attacks.

FDD Expert Analysis

“One wonders how long the administration knew about this command-and-control facility and why it wasn’t hit earlier. If we want the worst assault on maritime shipping in decades to end, the United States should impose greater consequences on the Houthis and their patron in Tehran. Too often, we see this administration taking half-steps for fear of escalation, but those half-steps simply embolden our enemies and extend the duration of conflicts.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“It’s good to see U.S. forces hitting important Houthi targets in Yemen, but if the goal is to deter future attacks with Iranian-supplied weapons, then the United States has to impose costs on Iran. This means the United States needs to strike targets in Iran — the port facilities, missile factories, intel facilities, and Iranian ships that support the Houthi missile campaign.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, FDD Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“Increased military action, including strikes on key leaders, pushed Hezbollah into a ceasefire. The Houthis should be made to understand they will face similar consequences as Hezbollah.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow