US Destroys Houthi Drones, Unmanned Vessel in Red Sea Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

The US military destroyed two Houthi drones and an unmanned surface vessel in the Red Sea, citing a “clear and imminent threat” to American and coalition forces as well as merchant vessels in the region, Fox News reports.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday that the strikes took place within the past 24 hours, targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. One Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and one uncrewed surface vessel (USV) were destroyed in the operation.

“This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM stated in a statement.

The move comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

While the US military has not directly linked the destruction of the Houthi vessels to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the timing suggests such a link.

The US has long been involved in the Yemeni conflict, supporting the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi rebels. The Houthis, who have received support from Iran, have repeatedly launched attacks on Saudi Arabia and vessels in the Red Sea, raising concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation.