The US Navy shot down 21 Houthi missiles and drones launched from Yemen, according to a statement from US Central Command, in one of the largest Houthi attacks to take place in the Red Sea in recent months.
The barrage, launched at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday in Yemen, included 18 one-way attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile, Central Command said.
The attack was launched toward international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea where “dozens” of merchant vessels were traveling, according to the statement.
Two defense officials had earlier told CNN that the barrage included a total of 24 drones and missiles.
The HMS Diamond, an air defence destroyer from the UK’s Royal Navy, was also part of the effort.
The Iran-backed Houthis have said their launches of drones and missiles are showing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
To date, the Houthis have carried out 26 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, according to Central Command. »
