On Tuesday night, the Pentagon reported that multiple missiles and drones were launched from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen towards commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
This incident is part of an ongoing series of attacks that have persisted for months, with no reports of damage or injuries.
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels fired eighteen drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time.
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These projectiles were successfully intercepted and shot down in a collaborative effort involving fighter jets from the USS Dwight Eisenhower aircraft carrier and the missile destroyers USS Gravely, USS Laboon, as well as USS Mason, in addition to the UK’s Royal Navy destroyer, the HMS Diamond.
Amidst several commercial ships in the vicinity, the US Central Command reported that it was unclear what specific targets the drones and missiles were aiming for, as conveyed by a US official.
US and UK Forces Join to Intercept Missiles and Drones
Two US destroyers and F-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with the UK’s Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond, collaborated in the collective effort to intercept and neutralize the missiles and drones, as reported by Central Command.
The Red Sea hosts various ships from the US and other nations under Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational initiative safeguarding shipping in this critical waterway.
This coalition involves over 20 countries.
The missile and drone launch coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the Middle East, aimed at managing the Gaza conflict and preventing regional escalation.
During his visit to Israel, Blinken emphasized the need for allowing Palestinians in Gaza to return to their homes once conditions permit, urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties.
The Iran-backed Houthis claim solidarity with the Palestinian people through their drone and missile launches.
While their initial attacks targeted vessels connected to Israel, subsequent attacks, numbering 26 according to Central Command, have lacked such connections.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Naval Central Command, noted that most recent attacks were unrelated to Israel, even as they draw more nations into the situation.