US destroys Houthi drone, unmanned vessel in Red Sea in 'self-defense'

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US military and coalition forces destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an unmanned surface vessel launched by Yemen’s Houthi group in the Red Sea, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday.

"On March 20, a coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle and United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel, both launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, " CENTCOM wrote on X.

There were no injuries or damage to US or coalition ships, it added.

CENTCOM also said it determined that the weapons presented an "imminent threat" to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels," it added.

Yemen’s Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7.

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

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.