US Navy shoots down Houthi missiles and drones in Red Sea
The US Navy has successfully intercepted 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi militants from Yemen in a major attack in the Red Sea. The attack, carried out by Iranian-backed militants, included various types of missiles and drones and targeted international shipping lanes. No ships were damaged and no injuries were reported. The US, UK, and other nations have ships in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. This incident occurred while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting the Middle East to de-escalate the Gaza war.
US Navy intercepts Houthi missiles and drones
The US Navy has successfully shot down 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi militants from Yemen in one of the largest attacks in the Red Sea in recent months. The attack, characterized as a complex operation, was carried out by militants supported by Iran.
The barrage, which occurred on Tuesday evening, included 18 one-way attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile. The target was international shipping lanes where numerous merchant vessels were present. Fortunately, no ships were damaged and no injuries were reported.
The US Navy, along with the UK's Royal Navy, participated in intercepting the missiles and drones. Three destroyers and F-18 fighter jets collaborated to neutralize the threat. This operation was part of the multi-national effort called Operation Prosperity Guardian, which aims to protect shipping in the Red Sea and involves more than 20 countries.
Houthis use attacks to show solidarity with Palestinians
The Houthi militants, who are backed by Iran, have stated that their drone and missile launches are a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people. While the initial attacks targeted vessels with links to Israel, recent attacks have expanded to include commercial ships with no apparent connection to Israel.
According to Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Central Command, there have been 26 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by the Houthis so far. These attacks have affected ships from 55 different nations, highlighting the international impact of the situation.
In response to the ongoing attacks, the US and several other countries have issued a joint statement condemning the Houthis. They have warned of dire consequences should the attacks continue, emphasizing the threat to lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways.
US Secretary of State's visit coincides with attack
Coinciding with the attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting the Middle East in an effort to de-escalate the Gaza war and prevent further regional escalation. During his visit to Israel, Blinken called for Palestinians in Gaza to be allowed to return to their homes as soon as conditions permit, while urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties.
This incident highlights the complex and interconnected nature of the conflicts in the region. Blinken's visit and international efforts to address the situation in Gaza are taking place alongside the ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and coordinated international response.
