US Navy intercepts Houthis unnmanned underwater vehicle for 1st time.

According to information published by the US DoD on February 17, 2024, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it executed a series of operations in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, targeting maritime threats.
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Artist rendering of a Houthi Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. (Picture source: Generated by AI)

CENTCOM executed five precision strikes against a variety of threats, including three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV), marking a significant operational response to emerging maritime threats.

This operation stands out as the first instance of the Houthis deploying an unmanned underwater vessel for hostile purposes since the onset of related attacks in October 2023, signaling an escalation in the group's naval warfare tactics.

Context

The possession and utilization of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) by Islamist groups such as Hamas and the Houthis represent a significant risk to regional stability, maritime security, and international peace efforts.

These groups are recognized by many countries and international bodies as terrorist organizations due to their violent activities and goals that include targeting civilians and undermining state sovereignty.

The deployment of UUVs by such groups introduces a new dimension to asymmetric warfare, enabling them to carry out operations that were previously beyond their capabilities.

UUVs can be used for a variety of purposes, including intelligence gathering, deployment of mines, or even as delivery systems for explosives, posing a direct threat to both military and civilian maritime assets.

The anonymity and difficulty in tracing the origin of UUVs complicate efforts to counteract these threats, potentially allowing these groups to exploit vulnerabilities in maritime security with relative impunity.