U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces successfully destroyed 5 Iranian-backed Houthi rebels uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) within the last 24 hours, five over the Red Sea and two over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
In its latest update posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) CENTCOM added that it was determined these UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.
The update added that Iranian-backed Houthis launched multiple attacks against MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Monaco-operated tanker vessel in the Red Sea carrying vegetable oil from Russia to China.
Iranian-backed Houthis, according to the update, used three surface vessels in this attack, one uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and two small boats.
Separately, Iranian-backed Houthis attacked MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea. The USV caused damage, but MT Chios Lion has not requested assistance.
CENTCOM concluded that “this continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.” And that its forces ”will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.