NEW YORK, February 22. /TASS/. The United States has carried out four airstrikes on facilities of Yemen's Ansar Allah (Houthi) rebels, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.

"On February 21, between 12:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. Sanaa time (9:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. GMT), CENTCOM forces conducted four self-defense strikes against seven mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one mobile anti-ship ballistic missile launcher that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea," the command said in a statement posted on its X page.

"Additionally, during this time frame CENTCOM forces shot down a one-way attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in self-defense," the command said.

With the conflict in the Gaza Strip escalating, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement announced that it would conduct strikes on Israeli territory and block pro-Israeli vessels from passing through the waters of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until Tel Aviv ceases its military operation in the Palestinian enclave. The Houthis have attacked dozens of civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since mid-November of last year.

In response to Ansar Allah's actions, US officials announced the formation of an international coalition and the preparation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure freedom of navigation and protection of ships in the Red Sea.