The US military announced on Tuesday that it has successfully destroyed nine drones operated by Houthi rebels in Yemen over the past 24 hours.
Eight of these drones were intercepted in Yemen, while one was taken down over the Gulf of Aden.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), no injuries or damage were reported to American, coalition, or commercial vessels involved in the incident.
This military action follows a series of aggressive maneuvers by Houthi forces, including an attack on a Greek-owned vessel in the Red Sea last week, which resulted in significant damage and left the ship stranded.
In response, US and British forces launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Al Hudaydah and Kamaran Island, conducting at least six air raids on Al Hudaydah International Airport and four strikes on Kamaran Island near the Al Salif port.
Since November, Houthi rebels have executed numerous attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
These actions are purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The increased frequency and intensity of these attacks have forced commercial shipping companies to reroute their vessels along longer, more costly paths around Africa, significantly impacting global trade routes.
One notable incident involved the sinking of the cargo ship “Rubymar,” which was transporting hazardous materials.
Another tragic attack resulted in the death of three sailors following a missile strike on the “True Confidence,” a vessel flying the Barbadian flag and managed by a Greek company.
The recent spike in Houthi aggression has heightened fears of further destabilization in the Middle East, especially amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The attacks underscore the broader regional tensions and the potential for increased military engagements in critical maritime corridors.
The US military’s proactive measures to intercept and destroy Houthi drones highlight a commitment to safeguarding international waters and protecting commercial interests.
CENTCOM’s decisive actions aim to deter further Houthi aggression and ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the region.
