In a recent development, the US military has reported the successful interception of over 12 drone missiles launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The Pentagon’s Central Command confirmed the attacks, which included 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land-attack missiles over a span of 10 hours. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or damage to ships in the area.
The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the missile strike on a commercial ship named MSC UNITED and launched drones towards military targets in southern Israel. This follows a series of drone and missile strikes by the rebels since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The rebels state that they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to urge a halt to the offensive in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is engaged in conflict with Hamas militants.
On December 26, explosions were reported near the port of Hodeida on Yemen’s west coast, as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). A transiting vessel and its crew remained safe, and there were no indications of significant damage. Two additional explosions occurred near a vessel off Hodeida on the same day.
Simultaneously, explosions were heard off the coast of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, with the Israeli army later revealing the successful interception of hostile aerial targets in the Red Sea. The Houthis have been responsible for over 100 drone and missile strikes, targeting merchant vessels from more than 35 nations. The attacks pose a threat to a vital transit route handling up to 12 percent of global trade.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States has established a multinational naval task force to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis’ assaults towards Israel have been ongoing, with many falling short of hitting their intended targets. The international community closely monitors these developments as tensions persist in the region.
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