US and French forces thwart Houthi drone attack in Red Sea

US and French forces thwart Houthi attack

American and French forces successfully thwarted an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Saturday. The rebels, aligned with Iran, targeted the cargo ship Propel Fortune and U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Aden. This incident follows a series of attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea since November, as they claim solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

In a televised speech, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea announced the targeting of the cargo vessel and "a number of U.S. war destroyers at the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with 37 drones." In response, U.S. Navy ships and aircraft successfully downed 15 drones in the Red Sea area, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The military action was a response to a large-scale Houthi attack in the region.

Additionally, a French warship and fighter jets intercepted and shot down four combat drones heading towards naval vessels belonging to the European Aspides mission in the area. The French army stated that this defensive action contributed directly to protecting the cargo ship True Confidence and other commercial vessels in the region.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed an attempted attack on the Singapore-flagged Propel Fortune. The shipping company reported two explosions in close vicinity, but all crew members are safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. UKMTO suggested that Propel Fortune might have been targeted due to outdated U.S. ownership data.

Yahya Sarea, the Houthi spokesman, reiterated their commitment to these attacks until the perceived aggression ceases and the blockade on Gaza is lifted. The situation underscores the ongoing tension in the region and the complex dynamics surrounding maritime security.