In a recent and significant development, a U.S. warship successfully neutralized 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea, while a Royal Navy destroyer intercepted another one targeting commercial ships. The American and British militaries confirmed these commendable defensive actions.
Houthi rebels based in Yemen have been incessantly launching a series of assaults on vessels passing through the Red Sea, which happens to be one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Moreover, they have also escalated their aggression by deploying drones and missiles against Israel, exacerbating the already volatile Israel-Hamas conflict.
The U.S. Central Command announced that the destroyer USS Carney effectively engaged and destroyed 14 unmanned aerial systems, precisely launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. It is worth mentioning that these drones were terminated without causing any harm to the ships in proximity or resulting in any reported injuries, as stated by Central Command via Twitter.
Grant Shapps, the U.K. Defense Secretary, revealed that HMS Diamond employed a Sea Viper missile to intercept and eliminate a drone that posed a threat to merchant vessels. Of paramount importance is the fact that this overnight mission marks the first time since the Gulf War in 1991 that the Royal Navy has taken down an airborne target in an operational engagement.
Shapps emphasized the grave implications of these attacks on commercial ships in the global trade artery by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, affirming that they pose a direct risk to international commerce and maritime security. In response, he affirmed the unwavering commitment of the U.K. in repelling such assaults and safeguarding the unhindered flow of global trade.
This recent series of actions against the Houthi rebels demonstrates the resolute determination of both countries to counter any form of aggression that threatens vital shipping routes and international security.
HMS Diamond and Global Shipping Under Threat Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
Just two weeks ago, HMS Diamond was dispatched to the region as a powerful deterrent against potential threats. This British vessel joined forces with ships from the United States, France, and several other countries, aiming to ensure the safety and security of global shipping operations.
Notably, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, who receives significant support from Iran, has made international shipping a vulnerable target. Alarmingly, Houthi rebels recently claimed responsibility for launching drones towards the strategic port city of Eilat in southern Israel. These developments followed reports from Egyptian state-run media that their air defense successfully brought down a “flying object” near Dahab on the Red Sea.
The dangerous situation in the region intensified earlier this month when Houthi-controlled Yemen launched ballistic missiles, striking three commercial ships in the Red Sea. Responding swiftly, a U.S. warship intercepted three drones during the assault. These incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by vessels navigating through this crucial corridor.
In response to escalating tensions, Maersk, the largest shipping company globally, made an unprecedented decision. It ordered all its vessels intending to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to temporarily suspend their journeys until further notice. This precautionary measure followed a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship and underscores the gravity of the situation.
Two attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels strike container ships in vital Red Sea corridor
Danish shipping company Maersk to pause its container ship traffic through the Red Sea
