International forces engaged in an operation to intercept drones in the Red Sea area following attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on the bulk carrier Propel Fortune.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the coalition of international forces successfully downed at least 28 drones over the Red Sea, averting damage to navy vessels and commercial ships by Houthis. The operation was in response to a large-scale attack on ships in the region during the early hours of Saturday.
US and Coalition Defeat Houthi Attack in Red Sea Area
Between 4 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists conducted a large-scale uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) attack into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM and coalition forces identified the one-way… pic.twitter.com/PJag5PYUfZ
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 9, 2024
As Reuters reports, in addition to the U.S. response, a French warship and fighter jets intercepted and neutralized four combat drones advancing toward naval vessels associated with the European Aspides mission in the area.
Moreover, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said its warship HMS Richmond had joined international allies in repelling a Houthi drone attack overnight, saying no injuries or damage were sustained.
This defensive action was credited with protecting not only the cargo ship True Confidence, which had previously been struck and was under tow, but also other commercial vessels navigating through the region.
To remind, last week three seafarers lost their lives due to an attack by the Houthis on the vessel M/V True Confidence.