• Source:ANI
Add as a preferred

Houthis Red Sea Attack: Targeting commercial shipping lanes, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched an unmanned surface drone in the Red Sea. This is the first time the Houthis have used a missile of this kind since they began attacking commercial ships following the Gaza War.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, stated that the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) travelled from Yemen into international shipping lanes "clearly with the intent to harm" before detonating. However, there was no indication of what ship the USV was targeting as it exploded without endangering any other vessels or wounding any crew members, news agency ANI reported.

ALSO READ: Indian Navy Enhances Security, Surveillance Efforts In Arabian Sea After Attacks On Merchant Ships

The attack by Unmanned Surface Vessel came a day after a group of countries led by the United States have warned Yemen's Houthi rebels of "consequences" unless they stop their attacks on Red Sea shipping vessels. A group of 12 nations, including the US, Britain, and Japan, released a statement warning the Houthis that there would be "consequences" if they continued their attacks.

On Thursday, a Houthi drone boat packed with explosives detonated in the Red Sea but failed to cause any damage or casualties, the US Navy said. 

Since November 19, 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control a large portion of Yemen, have been firing waves of rockets and drones at commercial vessels in an apparent attempt to cause damage in response to Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Last month, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the start of Operation Prosperity Guardian with the goal of deterring Houthi attacks and safeguarding shipping lanes. Since the beginning of the operation, it has shot down 19 drones and missiles launched from Houthi territory, as well as sinking three Houthi small boats. 

(With Inputs From Agencies)