US Military Intercepts and Downs Four Iran-Backed Houthi Drones in Red Sea, No Injuries or Damage Reported
On Wednesday, the US military reported downing four drones from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, which were headed towards a US warship in the Red Sea.
The incident occurred around 2 am Sanaa time (2300 GMT).
No injuries or damage were reported to US or coalition ships.
The drones were deemed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
The US Central Command stated that these actions were taken to ensure freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for US Navy and merchant vessels.
In November 2021, the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, carried out a series of drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea, an essential trade route.
The Houthis claimed these attacks were in support of Palestinians during Israel's conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza.
In response, the US and British forces retaliated with strikes against the Houthis.
The Houthis then declared American and British interests to be valid targets.