U.S. Navy successfully intercepts 21 Houthi missiles, drones in major Red Sea incident
The U.S. Navy intercepted a substantial barrage of 21 Houthi missiles and drones originating from Yemen, marking one of the most significant attacks by the Iranian-backed group in recent months.
The complex assault, characterized by U.S. Central Command as a coordinated effort, unfolded at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday in Yemen. It comprised 18 one-way attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile, targeting international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, frequented by numerous merchant vessels.
Despite the intensity of the attack, CENTCOM confirmed that there were no reported damages to ships or injuries resulting from the massive drone and missile launch. Engaging in the defensive response were three destroyers, including two U.S. destroyers and F-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. The U.K.’s Royal Navy’s air defense destroyer, HMS Diamond, also participated in the joint effort.
This incident unfolded amid heightened tensions in the region, with more than 20 nations, including the U.S., actively participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian—an international initiative aimed at securing shipping routes in the Red Sea. The coordinated response reflects the global nature of the threat and the collaborative efforts to address it.
The launch coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the Middle East, where he is actively working to contain the Gaza war and prevent further regional escalation. While in Israel, Blinken emphasized the importance of allowing Palestinians in Gaza to return to their homes under suitable conditions, advocating for a reduction in civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing conflict.
The Houthi attacks, linked to solidarity with the Palestinian people by the Iran-backed group, have escalated since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Central Command reports 26 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea to date, with the impact reaching across 55 nations directly connected to the targeted ships. In a joint statement, the U.S. and several countries condemned the Houthi attacks, warning of severe consequences should the threats persist, emphasizing the need for an international solution to address the gravity of the situation.
