Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea on Tuesday in one of the most complex attacks to date, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.
On January 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched a one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (OWA UAV), an anti-ship cruise missile, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. did. Toward the international sea route in the southern Red Sea. It happened while dozens of merchant ships were sailing.
This is the largest drone and missile attack by the Houthis since they began attacking commercial ships in November, a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.
It is also the 26th attack by the Houthis on commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea since November 19.
US-led coalition warns Houthis, vows 'consequences' for Red Sea attack
Guided missile destroyer USS Carney in Souda Bay, Greece. The U.S. Department of Defense said Sunday, December 3, 2023, that an American warship and several commercial vessels were attacked in the Red Sea, potentially leading to a significant escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Middle East linked to the Israel-Hamas war. Announced. ((Private Petty Officer 3rd Class Bill Dodge/U.S. Navy, via AP)
In a statement posted to X, U.S. Central Command said the presence of U.S. troops in the Red Sea prevented injuries and damage.
Joint operations of F/A-18s from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the British HMS Diamond (D34). 18 OWA UAVs, 2 anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down.
This is a location map of Yemen including the capital Sanaa. (AP photo)
This comes as 14 countries, including the United States, announced on January 3 that if the Houthis continue to threaten human life, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce within their borders, they will be held accountable for the consequences. This was after the statement was released. An important waterway in this region. ”
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This photo released by the Houthi Media Center shows a Houthi military helicopter approaching the cargo ship Galaxy Leader on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Yemen's Houthis seized the ship in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen after threatening to seize all ships in their possession. By an Israeli company. (Houthi Media Center via AP)
The United States was joined in Wednesday's statement by the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore and New Zealand. Countries said the destabilization of trade across the Red Sea was “unacceptable” and vowed consequences.
“Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable and highly destabilizing. There is no legal justification for intentionally targeting civilian or naval vessels. Unmanned aerial vehicles, small boats, missiles. The attack on ships, including commercial vessels, using the ”, the countries wrote.
Houthi-held Yemeni coast as demonstrators march through the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah in solidarity with Gaza residents, as fighting continues between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, January 4, 2024. Guard members are patrolling the sea. Gaza. (AFP via Getty Images)
“Let us now make our message clear: We demand an immediate end to these unlawful attacks and the release of the vessels and crews illegally detained. “We will continue to abide by the international rules-based order and will bear responsibility for the consequences if we continue to threaten free flow.” We are determined to hold malicious actors accountable for their actions,” the statement continued.
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The second major Houthi attack occurred in November, when the USS Carney shot down 15 drones and four cruise missiles.
FOX News' Anders Hagström contributed to this report.
