A US-led naval coalition successfully intercepted a large-scale drone attack launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Saturday. The incident, marking the most significant Houthi drone offensive in the waterway, saw coalition forces shoot down a reported 28 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Houthis, who have received backing from Iran throughout a protracted civil war in Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack. Their military spokesperson stated they targeted a cargo vessel and American warships patrolling the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with 37 drones. The targeted cargo ship, identified as the Singapore-flagged "Propel Fortune," reportedly escaped unharmed.
Responding to the Houthi claims, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the attack and subsequent counter-measures. In a statement, CENTCOM said US Navy ships and aircraft, along with allied forces, engaged the drones between 4:00 AM and 6:30 AM local time, identifying them as an "imminent threat" to commercial shipping and coalition vessels.
The incident follows a recent escalation in tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government. Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified drone attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade. The Houthis claim these attacks are a form of retaliation for ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The US-led coalition has responded with airstrikes targeting Houthi weapon caches and defensive measures to protect shipping lanes. The downing of the drones on Saturday signifies the coalition's enhanced air defense capabilities in the region.
The latest developments raise concerns about a potential escalation of the Yemen conflict. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a return to peace talks to end the devastating war, which has plunged Yemen into a deep humanitarian crisis. Observers fear the drone attacks and counter-strikes could further destabilize the region and disrupt vital maritime commerce.
The international community is urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize a peaceful resolution to the conflict. With no end to the Yemeni civil war in sight, the Red Sea remains a potential flashpoint, and the threat of further drone attacks by the Houthis cannot be discounted.