WASHINGTON: The US military reported the successful interception of eight drones near Yemen and the destruction of four others on the ground. The incidents came amid a surge of air raids by American forces in Iraq and Syria, responding to an attack that killed three US troops the previous weekend.
A US Navy destroyer, along with F/A-18 warplanes and another ship, played a pivotal role in the downing of the eight drones over open waters. Additionally, four drones, reportedly belonging to Yemen’s Houthis, were destroyed on the ground. The Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed no injuries or damage resulting from the drones over open water.
CENTCOM asserted that these actions aimed to protect freedom of navigation and enhance the safety of international waters for US Navy vessels and merchant ships. The Houthis had previously targeted Red Sea shipping, claiming to strike Israel-linked vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
US Support for Israel
In response to the growing unrest in the Middle East, particularly fueled by anger over Israel’s aggression in Gaza, the United States has undertaken various measures. Alongside strikes against the Houthis, a multinational naval task force has been established to safeguard shipping on the crucial transit route responsible for up to 12 percent of global trade.
The recent drone attack on a base in Jordan on January 28, resulting in the death of three US soldiers and injuries to over 40, was attributed to armed forces by Washington. In retaliation, the United States carried out strikes against dozens of targets at seven facilities in Iraq and Syria on Friday.
