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The French military has successfully neutralized two drones over the Red Sea, originating from Yemen’s coast, as confirmed by the French general staff.

The action, executed by the frigate Languedoc late Saturday, occurred about 110 kilometers from the Yemeni coast. In a statement, France’s military said, “The interception and destruction of these two identified threats.”
This development comes in the wake of threats by Yemen’s Houthi rebels to attack vessels bound for Israeli ports, demanding the entry of food and medicine into the besieged Gaza Strip. The Houthis issued a stern warning: “We warn all ships and companies against dealing with Israeli ports.” Unless their demands are met, they have threatened to obstruct Red Sea shipping, which is vital for global trade and linked to the Suez Canal.

The situation in the Red Sea has been tense following several maritime attacks attributed to the Houthi rebels since the onset of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Notable incidents include attacks on two ships off the Yemeni coast and the capture of the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-linked cargo vessel. The rebels’ determination to disrupt maritime movements to Israel was reiterated in a social media statement, where they declared their intent to block ships heading to Israel if Gaza’s humanitarian crisis remains unaddressed.

Beyond maritime confrontations, the Houthis have escalated their response with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel. A US destroyer stationed in the region has also intercepted three drones and rockets fired by Houthis in Yemen and responded to attacks by Houthi rebels on civilian cargo ships.