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The United States and the United Kingdom have intercepted 15 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea.
US Central Command confirmed that the USS Carney engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems early Saturday morning, stating on X, “no ships were damaged in the Red Sea and no injuries were reported.”
UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, in a statement on X, reported that the HMS Diamond shot down a suspected attack drone with a Sea Viper missile. Shapps highlighted the Royal Navy ship’s role in reinforcing maritime security: “The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea. The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.”
These incidents reflect a broader escalation of attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, particularly since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, both backed by Iran. Last week, Danish shipping company AP Moller-Maersk announced a suspension of its Red Sea container shipments due to these attacks.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel-Salam acknowledged the group’s involvement in the incidents, indicated that the targeting of vessels linked to Israel would continue “until the aggression stops,” and emphasized that humanitarian aid to Palestine and Gaza might reduce the escalation.