WASHINGTON: The US Central Command said that its forces had successfully destroyed two drones, one over the Red Sea and another on the ground in Yemen.
According to military officials, the drones were intended to target coalition naval ships and international commercial vessels in the Red Sea. One drone was intercepted over the Red Sea on Saturday morning, while the other was destroyed on the ground as it was being prepared for launch in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, CENTCOM emphasized the necessity of these actions to protect US and coalition forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and enhance the safety and security of international waters.
While the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for additional attacks in the Red Sea since last Tuesday, the US military has reported intercepting ballistic missiles and drones launched by the group’s forces in recent days.
Since November, the Houthis have conducted several attacks in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, including seizing a commercial ship and launching hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and remotely operated boats. They claim their objective is to disrupt major shipping lanes and pressure authorities to allow humanitarian aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip.
In response to these attacks, the US and UK have carried out multiple strikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including military sites, missile and drone launchers, and underground weapons-storage facilities.
