The United States Central Command has successfully thwarted an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, destroying four unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on Thursday. The UAS were targeting a Coalition vessel and a US warship in an act of self-defense over the Red Sea, as announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
In an official statement shared on social media, CENTCOM reported, “Between 6:00 and 10:56 p.m. (Sanaa time) on March 28, and for the second day in a row, United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed four unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. These UAS were aimed at a Coalition vessel and a U.S. warship and were engaged in self-defense over the Red Sea.”
Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage reported to US or coalition ships during the operation. The US Central Command emphasized that these unmanned aerial systems posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, warranting the defensive response.
“It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region,” the statement reiterated.
The actions taken by US CENTCOM are aimed at ensuring the safety of international waters and safeguarding freedom of navigation. “These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM emphasized.
This successful engagement follows a similar incident on Wednesday, March 27, when the US Central Command destroyed four long-range unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen between 2:00 and 2:20 a.m. (Sanaa time).
These defensive measures underscore the ongoing challenges faced in the region and the commitment of international forces to maintain stability and security in maritime environments.
