US destroys drone operated by Yemeni Houthis over Red Sea

'In the past 24 hours, US Central Command forces conducted a self-defense engagement over the southern Red Sea, destroying one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system (UAS),' says CENTCOM

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that its forces destroyed a drone operated by the Yemeni Houthi group over the southern Red Sea.

“In the past 24 hours, US Central Command forces conducted a self-defense engagement over the southern Red Sea, destroying one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system (UAS),” it said in a statement.

CENTCOM said the UAS posed an "imminent threat" to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.

Kaynak: