US Downs Three Houthi Drones, Strikes Anti-Ship Missiles

The U.S. military has intercepted three drones aimed at commercial vessels in the Red Sea and neutralized seven land-based anti-ship cruise missiles, attributing these actions to the Houthi rebels backed by Iran in Yemen.

For several months, the Houthis have targeted maritime traffic, continuing their assaults despite American and British efforts to diminish their capacity to threaten this crucial international maritime corridor.

On a recent Friday, U.S. forces neutralized three Houthi drones close to various commercial vessels in the Red Sea, fortunately without any damage to the ships, as reported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on social platforms.

Later the same day, CENTCOM announced the destruction of seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles under Houthi control, poised for launch towards the Red Sea. These operations, conducted from 12:30 to 7:15 p.m. Sanaa time, were described as defensive actions.

CENTCOM highlighted the identification of these missiles in Houthi-held territories in Yemen, recognizing them as immediate threats to both commercial and U.S. Navy ships in the area.

Additionally, the day before these incidents, American forces had already engaged four Houthi drones and two anti-ship cruise missiles, all ready for deployment towards the Red Sea from Houthi territories in Yemen.

The Houthi attacks on Red Sea navigation began in November, with the rebels stating their intent to target vessels associated with Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In retaliation, U.S. and UK forces have launched strikes against the Houthis, who have, in turn, declared American and British interests as valid targets.

The conflict in Gaza, sparked by a significant Hamas assault on October 7, has escalated tensions across the Middle East, inciting violence from Iran-supported factions in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.