In a show of force and solidarity, US, UK, and coalition forces successfully countered a massive aerial assault by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, shooting down at least 28 drones targeting commercial and military navigation. The coordinated drone strikes took place over four hours in the early hours of Saturday, as reported by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media, marking a significant upsurge in the conflict’s maritime dimension.
The UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the action on social media, demonstrating the Royal Navy’s HMS Richmond’s capabilities by using missiles to shoot down two Houthi drones. Shapps emphatically stated, “The UK and our allies will continue to take the action necessary to save lives and protect freedom of navigation.”
This recent drone assault follows a series of disruptions caused by the Houthis against shipping routes in the Red Sea since November, which have had widespread consequences for international shipping and economic security. The Houthis have claimed their actions are in solidarity with Hamas against Israel; however, many of the targeted vessels have had no connection to Israel, complicating the regional conflict.
CENTCOM confirmed that the drone attacks commenced at approximately 4 a.m. local time and continued until 8:20 a.m., targeting a range of vessels but resulting in no reported damages thanks to the swift response by coalition forces. The Ministry of Defence acknowledged the crew of HMS Richmond acted in an “exemplary manner” and reiterated the UK’s firm stance to protect lives and the global economy from such illegal attacks.
One of the drones’ intended targets, the Singapore-flagged vessel Propel Fortune, remained unscathed, continuing its journey without injuries or damage, according to the U.S. military. The Houthi military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed a total of 37 drones were launched at American warships and commercial vessels, although CENTCOM’s reports indicate the number successfully neutralized was 28.
The aggression in the maritime arena escalated when a Houthi attack last Wednesday culminated in the first fatalities since the start of these incidents in November. At least three crew members perished when the Liberian-owned True Confidence was struck. Additionally, the sinking of a British-owned vessel previously hit by a Houthi missile caused significant environmental and communicational damage, including the severing of undersea telecommunication cables.
In response to the persistent threat posed by the Houthi rebels, the U.S. and UK, with the backing of their allies, have conducted several rounds of airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen since mid-January. The Biden administration has also reinforced its stance by designating the Houthis as a “specially designated global terrorist group,” highlighting the increased international concern over the group’s activities.
Relevant articles:
– U.S. forces, allies shoot down more than 2 dozen Houthi drones in Red Sea
– Royal Navy shoots down Houthi drones after US and allies attacked in Red Sea, The Guardian, Sat, 09 Mar 2024 18:16:00 GMT
– Yemen’s rebels target Singapore-flagged ship as U.S. and allies down Houthi drones, NPR, Sat, 09 Mar 2024 09:07:37 GMT
– US, allies shoot down 28 Houthi drones in large Red Sea skirmish, Task & Purpose, Sat, 09 Mar 2024 23:24:48 GMT