US military destroyed several surface drones of Houthis in Red Sea for self-defense

(photo: Getty Images)

Military personnel from the US have eliminated three unmanned boats operated by Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea waters. These actions by the US military were taken in self-defense, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement, the US military command noted that this occurred on June 30th.

"In the past 24 hours U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces conducted a self-defense engagement, destroying three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in the Red Sea," the statement said.

The report also indicated that these unmanned surface vessels were recognized as posing an immediate threat to US and coalition forces, as well as to commercial vessels in the region.

"These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure," stated CENTCOM.

The US further emphasized that such malicious and reckless behavior by the Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and endanger the lives of sailors in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Houthi strikes on commercial ships and the US-led operation in the Red Sea

Since last autumn, particularly following Hamas's incursion into Israel and the start of IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, Yemen's Houthis have regularly attempted attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

To counter these strikes against commercial ships, the US, Britain, and allies have formed a maritime coalition.

Earlier reports indicated that at the end of May, US forces destroyed 4 Houthi drones launched for attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea.

Additionally, in late May, it was reported that Houthis fired missiles at a Greek-flagged ship in the Red Sea. The vessel, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, sustained damage but continued its voyage.

Furthermore, recently, the Ukrainian ship Verbena, flying the flag of Palau and carrying wooden construction materials, was also attacked. The crew abandoned the ship after struggling to extinguish fires ignited during the attack.