Following the attacks on two crude oil tankers in the southern Red Sea off Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out a successful operation to destroy two missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. The rebels had fired anti-ship ballistic missiles and a drone at the Panama-owned Blue Lagoon and the Saudi-owned Amjad, putting two million barrels of oil at risk on the latter vessel. The Greek tanker Delta Sounion, previously attacked by the Houthis, remains disabled and on fire in the Red Sea, posing a significant environmental threat.
The irresponsible actions of the Houthis continue to endanger regional and global commerce, as well as the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems. Despite this, CENTCOM remains committed to working with international partners and allies to protect commerce and mitigate environmental impacts caused by the Iranian-backed rebels.
Since the Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea in 2023, their actions have been linked to their support for Palestinians in Gaza and their opposition to Israel. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a spokesman for the Houthi military, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Blue Lagoon, citing the ship’s alleged support for Israel.
In response to the threats posed by the missile systems in Houthi-controlled areas, U.S. forces took action to eliminate the imminent danger they posed to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. The operation aimed to safeguard freedom of navigation and enhance the safety and security of international waters.
Can you please rephrase that?
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