Highlights:
- The Houthi-controlled Yemen launched an armed unmanned surface vessel, threatening U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the Red Sea.
- This incident occurred shortly after a “final warning” was issued by the White House and allied nations to the Iran-backed militia.
- The Houthis’ maritime arsenal, including the use of unmanned surface vessels, poses a growing threat to international shipping.
An unmanned surface vessel (USV), armed and launched by Houthi forces in Yemen, came perilously close to U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This incident, unfolding mere hours after a collective warning from the White House and its partners, underlines the heightened risks in the region. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been warned to cease their maritime attacks or face potential military consequences.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, responsible for U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, highlighted the novelty of this attack, given the Houthis’ past usage of USVs. These vessels have been a critical component of the Houthi maritime strategy, particularly against Saudi coalition forces in Yemen’s conflict. Often assembled in Yemen, these USVs are believed to incorporate Iranian-made guidance systems.
The Houthis have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on commercial ships traversing the Red Sea since late October. U.S. Navy warships have intercepted these threats, including ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. In response to these continuous attacks, the U.S. and its allies initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard commercial shipping in the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
However, despite these measures and international warnings, Houthi attacks persist, challenging the safety of one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes. The potential military response from the U.S. and its allies remains a possibility if these provocations continue.