In a major escalation in the Red Sea, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launched their most extensive barrage of drones and missiles yet, targeting crucial shipping lanes. This unprecedented attack prompted the US and British navies to intercept the projectiles, marking a significant naval engagement. This occurred as the UN Security Council was convening to discuss the Houthi attacks.
The assault happened near the Yemeni ports of Hodeida and Mokha. Intelligence from Ambrey detailed sightings of missiles and drones, with US-allied warships advising rapid transit. The US Central Command reported that the Houthis used 18 drones, two cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile. These were countered by F-18s from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Gravely, USS Laboon, and USS Mason, along with the UK’s HMS Diamond.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the threat to international trade, suggesting potential consequences for continued aggression. British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps characterized the attack as the largest by the Houthis in the Red Sea, emphasizing the UK’s readiness to respond.
The Houthis, holding Yemen’s capital since 2014, claimed the attack was in retaliation for American and Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip. However, their targets increasingly lack direct connection to Israel, complicating the situation.
The Red Sea is a vital trade route, linking Asia and the Middle East with Europe, and is crucial for global commerce. This attack, coinciding with a fragile ceasefire in Yemen, raises the possibility of a broader conflict, potentially involving Iran, and underscores the precarious stability in the region. Watch video report here.
