The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the US military has successfully intercepted four drones directed towards a US destroyer in the southern Red Sea.
CENTCOM claims that these drones were launched from areas in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels. This action by the US military represents an ongoing response to threats posed in the region.
CENTCOM highlighted that these incidents mark the 14th and 15th attacks by Houthi militants on commercial shipping since October 17. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who hold significant territory in Yemen, have been targeting ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. The Houthis claim these attacks as a response to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In response to distress calls, US Naval Forces Central Command intervened to assist two ships under attack: a Norwegian-flagged chemical/oil tanker and an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker owned by Gabon.
International Response and Operation Prosperity Guardian
In addition to drone interceptions, CENTCOM reported that two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes from Yemen, though no ships were impacted. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Agency confirmed an explosion caused by an unmanned aerial system near a vessel in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
In response to these escalating threats, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian three days ago. With participation from over a dozen countries, this operation aims to conduct joint patrols in Red Sea waters near Yemen to enhance maritime security and counter the Houthi threat.
