The US warship USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), while operating in the Red Sea, successfully intercepted several one-way attack drones.
These drones were launched from areas in Yemen under Houthi control, as confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM reported that the ship and its crew were unharmed in the incident.
The Houthis, who align themselves with Iran’s “axis of resistance,” have been actively retaliating in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
This ongoing strife has heightened concerns about a potential wider conflict in the Middle East, especially with the increasing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, the Houthis have been launching drones and missiles towards Israel. On Wednesday, Israel reported intercepting a cruise missile allegedly launched by the Houthi rebels, aimed at southern Israel.
Yahia Saree, the spokesperson for the Houthi armed forces, claimed responsibility for various missile attacks on military targets in southern Israel and vowed to continue such operations until Israeli aggression towards Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank ceases.
The Houthis have also made threats against Israeli shipping, claiming on Sunday to have seized the Galaxy Leader, a cargo vessel linked to Israel, along with its 25 international crew members at the Red Sea entrance. This incident was described by Israel’s military as a significant global concern and by a US military official as a clear breach of international law.
Amidst these developments, Israel and Hamas announced a four-day cease-fire agreement, which includes a hostage and prisoner exchange.
According to Israeli authorities, about 240 hostages were taken by Hamas and other Palestinian groups during attacks on October 7, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians. This led to a significant Israeli military campaign in Gaza, where local authorities claim over 14,000 people have died, with two-thirds being women and children.
