U.S. forces late Saturday capped off a four-day flurry of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting Houthi anti-ship missiles, ground vehicles, and other weapons and material the group has used to wreak havoc on commercial shipping in and around the Red Sea.

U.S. Central Command said that it hit Houthi positions on four straight days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, marking one of the most intense periods of strikes on the Houthis since the American counterattack campaign began a month ago.

On Wednesday, CENTCOM said it struck multiple Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and Houthi mobile land attack cruise missiles, each of which was preparing to launch against ships in the Red Sea.

“CENTCOM identified these missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

A day later, CENTCOM launched at least seven separate strikes against Houthi targets. U.S. forces hit Houthi anti-ship missiles and unmanned surface vessels again on Friday.

And late Saturday, CENTCOM said it took out Houthi surface vessels and anti-ship missiles just before they were launched toward ships sailing through the Red Sea.

The Houthis have launched about 40 attacks on commercial and military ships over the past several months. Houthi leaders have said their campaign is retaliation toward Israel for its war in the Gaza Strip, though many of the ships targeted seemingly have no connection to Jerusalem.

The U.S. and Britain responded to those attacks on Jan. 11 with the first round of strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, where the Iran-backed rebel group controls much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. Those airstrikes have continued in the weeks since.

• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.