Joint U.S. and British Naval Forces Successfully Intercept Enemy Drones Over Red Sea

A US warship and a Royal Navy destroyer have successfully shot down a total of 15 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea, according to statements from the British and American militaries. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have been launching attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, which is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. They have also been targeting Israel with drones and missiles. The US Central Command confirmed that the USS Carney destroyed 14 unmanned aerial systems launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The drones were shot down without causing any damage to ships or injuries. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed a drone that was targeting merchant shipping. This marks the first time that the Royal Navy has shot down an aerial target since the Gulf War in 1991. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated that these attacks by the Houthi rebels represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. The UK remains committed to protecting the free flow of global trade. HMS Diamond was sent to the region two weeks ago as a deterrent, joining vessels from the US, France, and other countries. The war between Israel and Hamas has also made global shipping a target. The Houthi rebels recently fired a barrage of drones towards the port city of Eilat in southern Israel. Additionally, container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or drawn missile fire while passing through the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In response to these threats, French container shipping line CMA CGM Group has ordered all its vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea to pause their journey in safe waters. Similarly, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, two major shipping companies, have also halted their container ship traffic through the Red Sea.