US, UK foil Houthi rebels’ biggest attack in Red Sea, shoot down 21 drones

He US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported this Tuesday that its forces and it United Kingdom They intercepted 21 drones and planes Houthi rebels No Yemen In it red seaIn the biggest attack of its kind since the insurgents launched an offensive against the respective ships Israel.

According to a statement, supported by the Houthis Iran regimeThe shelling took place at 9:15 pm local time on January 9 from areas under their control in Yemen. Drone attack Iranian-made one-way missiles, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles against the southern Red Sea, where dozens merchant ships On international routes.

Drones and missiles were shot down by F/A-18 fighter jet who operated from aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. EisenhowerOne British destroyer and three American destroyers, Centcom explained, reported no injuries or damage.

US and UK naval units, which are part of the leading coalition Washington Made last month, they shot down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile, causing no injuries or damage, according to the text.

This is the 26th attack by the rebels against commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea, through which about 15% world tradeFrom November 19.

The US recalled that the January 3 Fourteen countries, including yours, issued a joint statement warning the Houthis that “they will be held accountable for consequences if they continue to threaten lives, the global economy or free trade in the region’s critical waters.”

The event coincides with a visit by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinkenby Middle East To get support to stop the war in Gaza StripIn the context of increased Houthi attacks against Israeli-bound commercial vessels.

The latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas began when the Palestinian militant group invaded Gaza. 7 October In which some died 1,140 peopleAccording to calculations based on Israeli statistics.

America has sent after the attack military aid Israel, which has carried out relentless retaliation in Gaza, has killed at least 23,210 people, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-controlled territory.

Those deaths have sparked widespread anger and spurred attacks in the Middle East armed groups Anti-Israel throughout the region.

American forces in Iraq And Syria They have also been repeatedly targeted by drone and rocket attacks that Washington says are the work of armed groups backed by Iran.

(With information from Europa Press and AFP)