Red Sea battle unfolds: US and UK navies clash with swarms of attack drones
In a dramatic turn of events, a U.S. warship and a British Royal Navy destroyer have engaged in a fierce aerial battle over the Red Sea, targeting a total of 15 suspected attack drones. The British and American militaries confirmed these high-intensity actions, highlighting a significant escalation in the region’s maritime tensions.
US Naval Dominance:
The U.S. Central Command reported that the USS Carney, a destroyer, showcased its military prowess by successfully engaging and neutralizing 14 unmanned aerial systems launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. These drones were shot down effectively, with no reported damage to nearby ships or injuries, according to Central Command.
Royal Navy’s Historic Action:
The UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps reported that HMS Diamond, a Royal Navy destroyer, fired a Sea Viper missile and destroyed another drone targeting commercial shipping. This action marked the Royal Navy’s first aerial target engagement since the 1991 Gulf War, signifying a historic moment in modern naval warfare.
Dramatic Showdown in the Red Sea: US and UK Warships Take Down Hostile Drones
Threat to International Commerce:
Shapps emphasized the grave threat posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels to international commerce and maritime security, particularly in the Red Sea – one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade.
Regional Tensions Escalate:
The deployment of HMS Diamond to the region was part of a broader effort to deter aggression, joining vessels from the U.S., France, and other countries. The war between Israel and Hamas has intensified the threat to global shipping, with Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launching drones and missiles targeting Israel and disrupting commercial shipping.
Impact on Global Shipping:
The escalating conflict has prompted major shipping companies like CMA CGM Group and Maersk to halt their vessels’ journeys through the Red Sea. This decision underscores the growing concern for maritime safety amid these heightened tensions.
Houthis’ Continued Aggression:
The Houthi rebels have continued their aggressive stance, targeting Israeli-linked vessels and disrupting trade. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel-Salam indicated ongoing communications with international parties but maintained their stance on targeting Israel-linked vessels.