US and UK prevent “biggest attack” by the Houthis in the Red Sea

United States and United Kingdom naval forces shot down 21 drones and missiles fired by the Yemen-based Houthis on Tuesday toward international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, the United States said.

Britain's defense minister said it was the biggest attack in the region by the militants to date, as the three-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza spreads to other parts of the Middle East.

US Central Command said there were no injuries or damage reported, adding that this was the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since November 19.

The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have attacked the route to demonstrate their support for Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group.

The attacks seriously disrupted international trade on the main route between Europe and Asia, which accounts for around 15% of global maritime traffic.

Many shipping companies have been forced to reroute their vessels, making the longer journey around Africa, although several major oil companies, refineries and trading houses have continued to use it.

US Central Command said 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down by the two navies in the incident.

British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said on Wednesday: “Overnight, the (Royal Navy ship) HMS DIAMOND, together with US warships, successfully repelled the largest attack by the Houthis supported by Iran in the Red Sea to date.”

Shapps repeated a warning from the UK and its allies, including the US and Germany, that the attacks are unacceptable, telling the militant group it will “bear the consequences” if it continues.

“We will take necessary measures to protect innocent lives and the global economy,” he said.

The Houthis have vowed to continue attacks until Israel stops the conflict in Gaza and warned they would attack US warships if the militia group itself was targeted.