US Forces Intercept Drone and Missile in Red Sea
US Naval Forces CENTCOM Intercept Houthi Drone and Missile in Red Sea
The US Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that it successfully intercepted a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by the Houthi forces in the south of the Red Sea. The announcement was made via CENTCOM’s social media account.
According to the statement, the USS Mason, a US Navy ship, was responsible for shooting down the anti-ship ballistic missile and the drone that were fired by the Houthi forces. This marks the 22nd attack attempt by the Houthis against international shipping since October 19. Fortunately, there was no damage reported to the 18 ships in the region.
In a menacing television speech on November 14, Abdulmelik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthis in Yemen, threatened to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip. This was followed by a statement from Houthi military spokesman Yahya Seri on November 19, announcing their intention to target any Israeli-flagged ship. Subsequently, the Houthis carried out a UAV and missile attack on two Israeli ships named “Unity Explorer” and “Number Nine” in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The escalating tensions in the region have led to significant repercussions for maritime shipping. Israeli shipping company ZIM declared on November 29 that its ships would avoid using the Suez Canal in Egypt due to security concerns in the Oman Sea and Red Sea.
As a result of the recent actions by the Houthis, numerous shipping companies have decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea. In response, the Pentagon has announced plans to establish an international “Maritime Task Force” to counter the Houthi attacks. This effort was formalized on December 18 with the establishment of a multinational mission called “Operation Welfare Guardian”.
Abd al-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi forces in Yemen, has accused the USA of attempting to militarize the Red Sea in order to protect Israeli ships. He stated that they would not stand idly by in the face of any escalations or targeting of Yemen by the United States.
The situation remains tense in the Red Sea as the international community grapples with the escalating threats posed by the Houthi forces. The establishment of the “Maritime Task Force” and “Operation Welfare Guardian” signals a concerted effort to protect commercial shipping in the region and maintain stability in the Red Sea.
