Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

In a significant defensive operation, US, French, and British forces successfully intercepted dozens of drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against maritime targets in the Red Sea area. This action was in response to the Houthis’ attacks on the Propel Fortune bulk carrier and several US destroyers, as described by the US military.

In a statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said, “We have targeted the cargo vessel and a number of US war destroyers at the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with 37 drones.” Contrasting this, CENTCOM reported, “The US military and coalition forces had downed at least 28 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Red Sea in the early hours of Saturday. No US or Coalition Navy vessels were damaged in the attack and there were also no reports by commercial ships of damage.”

The French military contributed by neutralizing four combat drones heading toward European Aspides mission naval vessels, which “directly contributed to the protection of the cargo ship True Confidence, under the Barbados flag,” according to a French army statement. Similarly, the UK’s defense minister Grant Shapps highlighted Britain’s role, stating, “Last night, HMS Richmond used its Sea Ceptor missiles to shoot down two attack drones – successfully repelling yet another illegal attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis.”

This all comes as the Houthis, which have ties to the Iranian government, have increased attacks.