U.S. forces, allies intercept over two dozen Houthi drones in Red Sea
In a concerted effort to thwart potential threats, the United States military, along with its allies, intercepted and neutralized a barrage of more than 28 drones in the Red Sea, deployed by Iranian-backed Houthi insurgents in Yemen. The Pentagon confirmed the incident, highlighting the swift response to the hostile activity initiated by the militants.
According to reports from U.S. Central Command, the series of drone attacks occurred during a span of approximately four hours, commencing at 4 a.m. and concluding at 8:20 a.m. local time. The timely intervention by coalition forces averted any reported damage to commercial or naval vessels navigating the region, as confirmed by CENTCOM authorities.
Grant Shapps, the United Kingdom’s Defense Secretary, underscored the collaborative effort to safeguard maritime interests, sharing footage on social media showcasing the British warship HMS Richmond engaging and neutralizing two Houthi drones with precision missile strikes. Shapps emphasized the steadfast commitment of allied forces to uphold maritime security and protect vital shipping lanes.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has seen a surge in Houthi-led assaults, with the militants targeting vessels traversing the Red Sea, ostensibly in solidarity with Hamas, engaged in hostilities with Israel. These repeated attacks have not only disrupted international maritime traffic but also resulted in casualties, including the recent loss of life aboard the Liberian-owned commercial ship True Confidence.
In response to the escalating threats posed by the Houthi militants, the United States and the United Kingdom, bolstered by coalition support, have undertaken multiple airstrikes targeting Houthi military installations since mid-January. Moreover, the Biden administration’s decision earlier this year to designate the Houthis as a “specially designated global terrorist group” reflects a strategic shift in addressing the militant faction’s activities, reversing a prior decision by the U.S. State Department.
The interception of Houthi drones in the Red Sea underscores the critical need for sustained international efforts to counteract maritime threats and ensure the safety of global shipping routes. As tensions persist in the region, stakeholders remain vigilant, reaffirming their commitment to collective security measures aimed at preserving stability and upholding freedom of navigation.
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