Tense moments in Red Sea as Houthi drone boat nears US Navy ships

In a dramatic escalation in the Red Sea, an armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by Houthi-controlled Yemen made a perilous approach within mere miles of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels before detonating. This alarming incident comes just hours after a stern “final warning” issued by the White House and allied nations to the Iran-backed militia, threatening potential military action in response to continued maritime assaults.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, a key figure in U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, revealed that this was the first instance of the Houthis using a USV in their ongoing harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war outbreak. The Houthis, notorious for their maritime arsenal, have utilized these explosive-laden suicide drone boats in past confrontations, often using Iran-supplied components for their construction.

Missile expert Fabian Hinz emphasized the critical role of USVs in the Houthi’s strategy, especially against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The Houthis’ persistent use of such attack drones and missiles has intensified maritime tensions, with U.S. Navy ships actively intercepting threats, including ballistic missiles allegedly targeting Israel.

In a decisive response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, deploying additional warships to the southern Red Sea. This operation aims to safeguard commercial vessels navigating the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Since December 18, when the operation began, over 1,500 commercial ships have transited safely, underscoring its effectiveness.

As the Houthis continue their aggressive stance in the Red Sea, the international community, led by the U.S., UK, France, Greece, and Denmark, remains vigilant. The recent near-miss incident marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with the world watching how this high-stakes maritime chess game will unfold.