Navy ships from the United Kingdom and the United States successfully repelled a series of drone attacks in the Red Sea over the weekend. The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney and the British warship HMS Diamond were targeted by a total of 15 unmanned aerial systems launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The US Central Command confirmed that the attempt was to unleash a drone wave attack on the American ship, while the UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps identified the target on HMS Diamond as a suspected attack drone aimed at merchant shipping. Both vessels managed to shoot down the drones without any damage or reported injuries.
The incident marks a concerning escalation, as it follows the recent hijacking of an Israeli-linked cargo ship by Houthi rebels who threatened the crew members at gunpoint. The rebels, backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for the attacks on ships and have expressed intentions to target Israeli-linked vessels. However, ships flagged to other countries have also become victims along the crucial trade route.
The threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea has prompted Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, to issue a directive for all its container ships to cease using the Bab al-Mandab Strait until further notice. Existing ships in the strait have been instructed to pause their journey. Maersk emphasized the gravity of the attacks in a statement, stating that the safety and security of seafarers are at significant risk.
Responding to the escalating attacks, both the United States and the United Kingdom have emphasized their commitment to repelling such threats and safeguarding the free flow of global trade. Secretary Shapps remarked on the recent spate of illegal attacks, describing them as a direct menace to international commerce and maritime security, reiterating the UK’s determination to protect against such threats.
The exact whereabouts of the Israeli-linked cargo ship and its crew members remain unknown. A video of the Houthi rebels’ attack on the vessel circulated online, demonstrating their masked militants boarding the ship from a helicopter and scaling its upper deck.
As authorities in the region remain vigilant, regional partners in the Red Sea have been notified of the threat and will likely bolster their security measures to counter future attacks. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges faced by navies responsible for safeguarding international waters and preserving global trade routes.
To mitigate further risks and ensure the safety of seafarers, it is essential for international cooperation to strengthen and for naval forces to remain on high alert to respond effectively to any future threats from hostile forces in the region.
