In a significant escalation of tensions in the Red Sea region, the United States military, along with allied forces, successfully intercepted and neutralized 15 drones launched by Houthi rebels on Saturday. The attack, described as “large-scale” by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted merchant vessels, US Navy ships, and coalition forces operating in the area.
According to CENTCOM, the assault, which occurred before dawn, posed an imminent threat to maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The swift response from US and coalition forces averted potential casualties and safeguarded vital shipping lanes crucial for global trade.
The Houthi rebels, with alleged backing from Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after. They boasted of firing missiles at an unspecified “American” commercial ship and deploying drones against US warships patrolling the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This assault marks one of the most substantial offensives by the Houthis since November, when they initiated a campaign of drone and missile strikes in solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants.
Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi military, outlined the details of the operation, citing two separate strikes. The first targeted the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Propel Fortune in the Gulf of Aden, while the second involved the launch of 37 drones aimed at several American warships.
In response to the escalating threat posed by the Houthi rebels, the United States unveiled a maritime security initiative in December aimed at safeguarding Red Sea shipping from such attacks. Despite international efforts to deter further aggression, the recent strikes resulted in the first reported fatalities, including two Filipino crew members aboard the bulk carrier True Confidence, which was hit by a Houthi missile.
These attacks have prompted heightened vigilance among US and coalition forces, with repeated airstrikes launched against Houthi targets in Yemen since January. However, the rebels have persisted in targeting merchant vessels, as well as American and British ships navigating the region.
The conflict in Yemen has persisted despite earlier efforts by a Saudi-led coalition to dislodge the Houthi rebels, who maintain control over the capital, Sanaa, and significant portions of the Red Sea coastline. The recent spate of attacks underscores the volatile nature of the region and the challenges faced by international efforts to stabilize Yemen.
In a similar incident on January 9, US and British forces intercepted 18 drones and three missiles fired by the Houthi rebels, marking one of the largest attacks at that time. As tensions continue to simmer, the situation in the Red Sea remains fluid, with the specter of further confrontations looming large.
Sources By Agencies
