On Wednesday, March 27, American military forces destroyed four long-range UAVs that Houthis in Yemen had targeted at a US Navy vessel, according to the US Central Command.
No damage to US or coalition ships was reported.
US military officials said that Houthi drones pose a direct threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels," the command statement said.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea
Yemeni Houthi rebels, allies of Iran, control most of the north and west of the country. In November 2023, they launched a campaign of drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. This is an attempt by the rebels to pressure Israel to end its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Since January 12, the US and UK, with support from other EU countries, have regularly targeted Houthi assets in Yemen. However, terrorists continue to attack commercial vessels.
Recently, the Houthis promised China and Russia not to target their ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Earlier, on March 19, militants attacked the fuel tanker MADO in the Red Sea with anti-ship missiles. The vessel sustained no significant damage.
Following this, on March 24, the Houthis attacked a crude oil tanker flying the Panamanian flag. After being hit by an unknown projectile, the vessel caught fire.
