DUBAI (Agencies): The US military, in conjunction with allied forces, successfully intercepted 15 attack drones launched by Iran-backed Yemeni rebels into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
This attack is one of the largest by the Houthis since they initiated a campaign of drone and missile strikes against ships in the Red Sea area in November. This campaign was declared in solidarity with Palestinians during Israel’s conflict with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the large-scale Houthi attack took place before dawn in the Red Sea and the adjacent Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM and coalition forces determined that the drones posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels, as well as US Navy and coalition ships in the region.
In a post on social media platform X, it was reported that US Navy vessels and aircraft, along with multiple coalition navy ships and aircraft, shot down 15 of the drones. These actions were taken to safeguard freedom of navigation and enhance the safety and security of international waters.
On January 9, US and British forces intercepted 18 drones and three missiles launched by the rebels towards ships in the Red Sea. Britain declared it as the largest attack by the Houthis up to that point.
In December, the United States announced a maritime security initiative to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks, which have compelled commercial vessels to divert from the route that typically carries 12 percent of global trade. Since January, the United States and Britain have repeatedly launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation to the ship attacks. However, the rebels have persisted in their attacks on merchant vessels and have also targeted American and British ships.