USS Carney firing interceptors at missiles and drones launched from Yemen over the Red Sea on October 19. Source: U.S. Army.
The United States Navy and a warship from the Royal Navy shot down 21 missiles and drones launched by the Houthis (Ansar Allah) from Yemen, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
The barrage, launched at about 9:15 p.m. [Sanaa time] on January 9, included 18 one-way attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile, the command said, adding that the attack was launched toward international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea where “dozens” of merchant vessels were traveling.
According to the command, the drones and missiles were shot down by “a combined effort 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 United Kingdom’s HMS Diamond (D34).”
“This is the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since November 19,” the statement said, adding that “no injuries or damage reported.”
Commenting on the drone and missile barrage, British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said that it was the largest attack in the region by the Houthisto date.
“The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences,” Shapps said in a statement on X, previously known as Twitter. “We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”
The Houthis have stepped up attacks on Israel-affiliated commercial vessels in the Red Sea in protest against the war on the Gaza Strip. Several major shipping companies have suspended operations, instead taking the longer journey around Africa.
The Iranian-backed group vowed to continue attacks until Israel halts war on Gaza, and warned that it would attack U.S. warships if the militia group itself was targeted.
The U.S. and other nations maintain a large force in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multi-national effort to counter the Houthis.
In a joint statement last week, the U.S. and about a dozen of its allies, including the UK, condemned the Houthis repeated attacks, warning, the group “will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.”
