A view shows the bridge of HMS Diamond, seen here firing her Sea Viper missiles in the Red Sea on January 10, 2024. UK Ministry of Defence/Handout via REUTERS
U.S. and British naval forces successfully intercepted 21 drones and missiles launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen towards the southern Red Sea, according to the United States. British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps characterized it as the largest attack in the region by the militants so far. Shapps hinted at potential further actions by Britain and its international partners to address the escalating situation.
The Houthi attack comes amid the ongoing three-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, spreading tensions across the Middle East. Shapps emphasized the unsustainable nature of the situation and suggested that additional measures may be taken.
No injuries or damage were reported from the intercepted attack, marking the 26th Houthi assault on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November 19, as per U.S. Central Command. The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for firing a significant number of missiles and drones at a U.S. ship supporting Israel. Saree described it as a “preliminary response” to a prior U.S. attack that resulted in the death of 10 Houthi fighters.
The U.S. Fifth Fleet and the Royal Navy, stationed in the Gulf region, have deployed naval forces to protect Red Sea shipping from increased Houthi attacks. The attacks, aimed at showing support for Hamas, have disrupted global commerce on the vital route between Europe and Asia, constituting approximately 15% of the world’s shipping traffic.
The German foreign ministry denounced the attacks as a clear escalation, while shipping companies like Hapag Lloyd and Maersk have opted to avoid the Suez Canal and take alternative routes for security reasons.
U.S. Central Command reported that 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile were successfully intercepted by the naval forces on Tuesday. Shapps noted that the Royal Navy ship HMS Diamond, which repelled the attacks, might have been a specific target, and there was a generalized attack on all shipping.
The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel ceases the conflict in Gaza and have warned of targeting U.S. warships if their group is attacked. The ongoing situation has led to rerouting of vessels and disruptions in international trade, impacting various industries, including retailers preparing for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday in China.
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