US Downs 10 Houthi Drones, Takes Out Iranian Unmanned Aircraft

The U.S. military recently conducted airstrikes in Yemen targeting 10 attack drones and a control station operated by the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. Additionally, a U.S. warship successfully intercepted an anti-ship missile fired by the Houthis and subsequently downed three Iranian drones, as reported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

These actions are part of the ongoing efforts by the United States to address threats from the Houthis and other groups in the region supported by Tehran. Although both the U.S. and Iran have generally sought to avoid direct conflict, the recent downing of Iranian drones could escalate tensions between the two nations.

Early Thursday, U.S. forces targeted a Houthi UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) ground control station and 10 drones, which were deemed an imminent threat to both merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. The USS Carney, a naval destroyer, was involved in these defensive actions.

CENTCOM’s statement did not clarify whether the downed Iranian drones were intended for attack or surveillance purposes. Moreover, American forces neutralized a Houthi surface-to-air missile that posed an immediate risk to U.S. aircraft, expanding the focus of U.S. airstrikes beyond threats to international shipping.

The Houthis have been attacking Red Sea shipping routes since November, claiming their actions support Palestinians in Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas war. In response, U.S. and UK forces have launched strikes against the Houthis, who now consider American and British interests legitimate targets.

The U.S. has employed robust surveillance to monitor Houthi-controlled areas, likely involving military aircraft, to counter imminent threats to shipping. Additionally, a multinational naval task force has been established to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks, a vital route for global trade.

The U.S. has also applied diplomatic and financial pressures on the Houthis, recently redesignating them as a terrorist organization in January, reversing an earlier decision made after President Joe Biden took office.

Despite these efforts, Houthi attacks continue. They recently claimed an attack on an American merchant ship heading to Israel, launching several naval missiles that reportedly hit the vessel. Security firm Ambrey noted a missile attack on a commercial vessel southwest of Aden, reporting an explosion but not specifying the ship’s nationality. The Houthis also claimed an attack on the American destroyer USS Gravely, following CENTCOM’s report of the ship intercepting a cruise missile from Houthi-controlled areas.

These incidents occur against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, fueled by anger over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the involvement of Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.