The Houthi forces launched a coordinated assault involving Iranian-designed one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The attack, aimed towards international shipping lanes frequented by dozens of merchant vessels, marks the 26th such attempt by the Houthis since November 19.
In a display of combined military capability, F/A-18s from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), along with the USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the United Kingdom’s HMS Diamond (D34), successfully intercepted and neutralized the threat. The forces shot down eighteen OWA UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile. The swift action of these forces ensured there were no injuries or damage reported.
This interception comes in the wake of a joint statement issued on January 3 by 14 countries, including the United States, underscoring the Houthis’ responsibility for any consequences of their actions that threaten lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in critical regional waterways.
