US and UK forces successfully intercepted over 20 drones and missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels over the Red Sea, marking what officials in London have termed the “largest attack” to date by the Iran-backed insurgents. During the operation, Western allies’ warships and planes neutralized 18 drones and three missiles.
The British destroyer HMS Diamond played a crucial role, deploying both its guns and Sea Viper missiles to protect itself and nearby commercial shipping. This decisive action follows a stern warning issued by 12 nations, led by the United States, urging the Houthis to cease firing on commercial vessels in the strategic international shipping corridor.
The Houthis claim their actions target Israeli-affiliated vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
The most recent incident occurred as US and UK forces, operating in the Red Sea, faced a complex attack orchestrated by the Houthis, involving Iranian-designed one-way attack UAVs, anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen.
The successful interception, employing F/A-18 warplanes from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, three American destroyers, and the British naval vessel HMS Diamond, highlights the coordinated efforts to counter Houthi aggression.
In response to the escalating threats, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized that the UK, alongside its allies, deems these unlawful attacks unacceptable. He pledged decisive action to protect innocent lives and the global economy, emphasizing the consequences the Houthis will face if such actions persist.
This recent clash underscores the mounting tensions in the Red Sea, prompting concerns about potential wider regional conflicts directly involving Iran, a scenario the United States is keen to avert. The incident follows the establishment of a multinational naval task force aimed at safeguarding Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks, which pose a significant threat to global trade routes.
