Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched their largest-ever drone and missile attack in the Red Sea, targeting shipping and prompting the US and British navies to intercept the projectiles, Associated Press reports.
The attack occurred off the port cities of Hodeida and Mokha, with 18 drones, two cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile intercepted by US and UK warships. This marks the 26th Houthi attack since Nov. 19, raising concerns of a potential US retaliatory strike that could jeopardize the fragile cease-fire in Yemen.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, claim their assaults are aimed at countering Israel’s actions in Gaza, but the targets increasingly have no direct connection to Israel, posing a threat to the crucial Red Sea trade route.
