WASHINGTON  - In a significant development, the U.S. military confirmed on Wednesday its engagement in a series of strikes on 14 Houthi missiles loaded for launch in Yemen. This marks the fourth consecutive day of U.S. military actions in the region.

The U.S. Central Command stated on the social media platform X that the Houthi missiles posed an imminent threat to both merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the area. The statement emphasized the need for the strikes to defend against potential attacks, pointing out that the missiles were ready to be fired at any moment.

The military actions, coupled with previous measures, aim to degrade the Houthi capabilities responsible for disruptive attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. Recent attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi militia have not only raised concerns about maritime security but have also impacted trade routes between Asia and Europe since November.

The Houthi rebels, who control most of Yemen, assert that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, threatening to expand their attacks. Earlier on the same day, a U.S.-owned vessel, the M/V Genco Picardy, was reportedly struck by a drone launched from Houthi-controlled areas in the Gulf of Aden. While the vessel sustained some damage, there were no reported injuries.

In response to the escalating situation, the United States has re-designated the Houthi rebels as a terrorist group, with the intention of cutting off funding and weapons that support their maritime attacks. The Houthi-controlled news agency Saba reported that U.S. and British strikes targeted several areas in Yemen, and the group's spokesperson affirmed their commitment to continuing attacks in defense of Yemen and support for the Palestinian cause.

The security of the Red Sea has become a global concern, impacting vital trade routes. Major shipping lines, including Maersk, have rerouted vessels or temporarily halted operations, causing disruptions and concerns about potential inflationary pressures. The crisis is affecting about 15% of the world's shipping traffic, prompting calls for a coordinated European Union maritime security mission.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region, and concerns persist about the potential for further disruptions to global trade and supply chains.