Destruction of 21 Houthi Drones and Missiles in the Red Sea; US and UK Respond to 'Complex' Attack on International Shipping

The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, announced that Houthi forces in Yemen, supported by the Islamic Republic, targeted international shipping lines and dozens of commercial vessels in a complex attack on January 9 at approximately 9:15 PM local time in Sana'a. CENTCOM explained the complexity of these attacks, stating: 'The Houthis simultaneously used Iranian-made attack drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, and a ballistic anti-ship missile in this assault, but all eighteen drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one ballistic anti-ship missile were intercepted through a joint effort by the US and UK naval fleets, with no casualties or damage to commercial vessels or warships.' CENTCOM labeled this attack as the twenty-sixth Houthi assault supported by the Islamic Republic on commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea since November 19. The UK Maritime Trade Operations and the British maritime security company Ambrey also reported separate incidents in the Red Sea near the port of Hudaydah, Yemen. Simultaneously, a Yemeni military source told Qatar's Al Jazeera that 'the Houthis targeted a ship in the Red Sea.' On January 3, fourteen countries, including the United States, issued a joint statement warning the Houthis that if they continued to pose a threat to global safety, the economy, or the free flow of trade in the region's vital waterways, they would face consequences. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on January 9, at the end of his visit to Israel, that the Biden administration is prepared to respond to Houthi movements supported by the Islamic Republic in the Red Sea as needed. The White House claims that the Islamic Republic plays a significant role in planning attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, providing crucial intelligence for the Houthis to target ships. Associated Press: Concerns are rising about the onset of a 'full-scale war' in the region. The commander of the IRGC threatens to attack the enemy 'from afar and near' despite calls to halt destabilizing actions. The global container shipping giant has warned its customers of a potential 'major disruption' and is sending its vessels with 'escorts' around the Red Sea. Blinken discusses increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and preventing the escalation of tensions in the region. The Houthis claim: 'We have guaranteed maritime transport security; the US is the threat to shipping in international waters.' The Houthi attack failed just one day after the 'final warning' from the US and its allies.