The US military has launched airstrikes targeting Houthi radar sites in Yemen, following the disappearance of a merchant sailor who was kidnapped by the Houthis. The US Navy confirmed that a US citizen was abducted while aboard the MV Sea-Horse, a commercial ship transiting the Red Sea, and the Navy initiated rescue efforts. The Houthis have not made any public claims about the incident or the missing sailor's whereabouts. The US military has stated that the airstrikes were conducted in self-defense, targeting Houthi radar sites that were believed to be used to track and potentially target ships. The Pentagon has further confirmed that the airstrikes were carried out in coordination with the Yemeni government. The Houthi-led government has accused the US of acting outside the law with the airstrikes, claiming that the attacks targeted residential areas in the Yemeni capital. The Houthis have not released any evidence to support their claims, but the Yemeni government has condemned the airstrikes, viewing them as an escalation of the ongoing conflict. The US Navy has expressed concern for the safety of the missing sailor and called for his immediate release. The US is also working with the International Maritime Organization and other international partners to secure the safe passage of maritime vessels in the region.
Summary
"The situation remains tense, with the US military focusing on securing the release of the missing sailor and ensuring the safety of maritime vessels in the Red Sea. The incident has further escalated tensions between the US and the Houthis in Yemen, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the ongoing conflict."
Updated at: 06.16.2024
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