In a concerning development, an armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen approached within a “couple of miles” of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels before detonating. This incident occurred just hours after the White House and partner nations issued a final warning to the Iran-backed Houthi militia group, urging them to cease attacks or face potential military action.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, highlighted that this marked the first use of a USV by the Houthis since their harassment of commercial ships began in the Red Sea after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. These USVs, considered a key part of the Houthi maritime arsenal, have been used as suicide drone boats exploding upon impact.
Details of the Attack and Houthi Arsenal
The exact location of the recent attack was not immediately clear, but Cooper emphasized that it took place in international shipping lanes. Analysts, such as missile expert Fabian Hinz, noted that most of the Houthi USVs are likely assembled in Yemen but often fitted with components made in Iran, including computerized guidance systems.
The Houthis have a history of using USVs during battles against the Saudi coalition forces in Yemen’s war, regularly employing them for suicide drone boat attacks. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Houthis had not utilized USVs since the Israel-Hamas war outbreak, making this recent incident noteworthy.
Escalation of Houthi Attacks and International Response
In recent months, the Houthis have intensified their attacks, launching numerous one-way attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy has intercepted ballistic missiles headed towards Israel, with a total of 61 missiles and drones shot down by U.S. warships.
In response to the Houthi attacks, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian in December. The operation involves the U.S. and other countries sending additional ships to the southern Red Sea to protect commercial vessels passing through the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Since its launch on Dec. 18, 1,500 commercial ships have safely transited the region.
International Coalition and Defensive Nature of Operation Prosperity Guardian
Cooper clarified that Operation Prosperity Guardian is solely defensive and separate from any potential military action the U.S. might take if Houthi attacks persist. The coalition involved in the operation includes the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Greece, and Denmark, with these nations providing warships to safeguard the region.
Despite these defensive measures, the Houthis have continued launching missiles and attack drones, prompting the White House and 12 allies to issue a final warning to cease attacks on vessels in the Red Sea or face potential targeted military action. The situation remains tense as the international community monitors developments in the region.
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