• By JE News Desk
  • Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:48 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The United States said on Tuesday that it had shot down twelve attack drones and five missiles, which it claimed were launched by the Iran-backed Houthis. There was no damage to ships in the area or injuries reported, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

"U.S. assets, including the USS LABOON (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26. There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries," the US CENTCOM posted on X.

This news of the attack followed the Israel Defence Forces' statement on downing a "hostile aerial target" heading toward Israel, monitored by the IAF's air traffic control. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed firing drones at Eilat in solidarity with Gaza.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari termed the attacks "acts of terror" directed by Iran. "This is an act that is carried out under Iranian directives," he added. The IDF released footage of the interception off Egypt's Sinai Peninsula coast.

Meanwhile, a day earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said “explosions (were) heard, missiles were sighted” near the port of Hodeida on Yemen’s west coast, adding that a transmitting vessel and its crew were safe. The ship later continued its voyage, without reporting any major damage or crew injuries, UKMTO said.

It followed two other explosions earlier Tuesday that struck near a vessel also off Hodeida, according to the British maritime authority.

The Houthis say they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a stop to the offensive in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling Hamas militants. Houthis claim solidarity with Gaza, reporting over 20,900 killed. The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, after thousands of Hamas terrorists crossed the border, and killed scores of Israelis.