(AFP) U.S. forces destroyed 15 drones launched by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday.
This "large-scale" drone attack constitutes "an imminent threat to merchant vessels, U.S. Navy, and coalition ships in the region," it said. As a result, coalition warships and aircraft shot them down, CENTCOM added in a message on X.
US and Coalition Defeat Houthi Attack in Red Sea Area
Between 4 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists conducted a large-scale uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) attack into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM and coalition forces identified the one-way… pic.twitter.com/PJag5PYUfZ
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 9, 2024
It is one of the most significant attacks by the Yemeni group since they began actions in November against vessels in the Red Sea, a strategic area for world trade.
"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure," CENTCOM said.
Faced with an increase in Houthi attacks, the United States announced an initiative in December to strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea, a route used in 12% of world trade.
