US hits down 4 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas, says CENTCOM
United States shot down four drones headed towards a U.S. destroyer in the southern Red Sea and launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
“These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct. 17," CENTCOM said in a post on X. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have disrupted world trade for weeks with attacks on ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea in what they say is a response to Israel's war in Gaza, Reuters reported.
The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command responded to distress calls from two ships under attack, CENTCOM said. Also Read: Iranian drone ‘attack’ hit chemical tanker near India, says Pentagon.
What we know so far A Norwegian-flagged, -owned and -operated chemical/oil tanker reported a near miss of a Houthi drone attack, and a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker reported being hit by a one-way attack, the post said. Two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were also "fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen", it said. “No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles." Also Read: Explained | Who are Houthi rebels causing Red Sea crisis, what do they want The U.K.
Maritime Trade Operations agency earlier reported that an uncrewed aerial system had exploded near a vessel in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, 45 nautical miles southwest of Saleef, Yemen. Three days ago, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, with over a dozen countries indicating their commitment to participating. Also Read: Houthi Red Sea threat: Ikea faces delays, possible supply
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