Washington: In a decisive response to threats posed by Yemeni rebels, US and allied forces successfully intercepted and destroyed 15 drones fired into the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, announced the US military. The rebels, with backing from Iran, targeted both commercial and military vessels in their brazen assault.
This marked one of the most significant attacks by the Houthis since their campaign began in November, unleashing a barrage of drone and missile strikes against vessels in the Red Sea region. Their actions purportedly stem from solidarity with Palestinians during times of conflict, such as Israel’s recent engagement with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the assault as “large-scale,” with the incursion occurring in the early hours of the morning into the Red Sea and adjacent Gulf of Aden.
Read More: Texas Military Helicopter Crash Claims Three Lives, 3 Soldiers 1 Border Agent Died
CENTCOM emphasized the imminent threat posed by the drones to merchant vessels, US Navy ships, and coalition vessels in the area. Through coordinated efforts involving US Navy vessels, aircraft, and multiple coalition navy assets, a total of 15 drones were neutralized. These actions, as highlighted on social media platform X, underscore the commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of international waters.
Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi military, confirmed the rebel’s involvement in two separate operations. The first targeted the commercial vessel Propel Fortune in the Gulf of Aden, which was referred to as an “American” ship. While vessel tracking websites identify the bulk carrier as Singapore-flagged, its current whereabouts remain undisclosed. The second operation saw the launch of “37 drones” targeting several American warships, as reported by Saree.
The United States initiated a maritime security initiative in December to protect Red Sea shipping from such Houthi attacks, which have disrupted vital trade routes. Tragically, these attacks resulted in their first reported fatalities, including two Filipino crew members aboard the bulk carrier True Confidence, as confirmed by the Philippine government. Moreover, on March 2, the sinking of the Belize-flagged, Lebanese-operated Rubymar marked the first known vessel loss due to rebel strikes.
Since January, the United States and Britain have undertaken numerous strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to these assaults. However, the rebels have persisted in targeting merchant vessels, as well as American and British ships. Despite ongoing efforts, Yemen’s rebels maintain control over the capital Sanaa and significant portions of the Red Sea coast, despite previous military interventions led by a Saudi-led coalition starting in 2015.
