Sanaa, Yemen: The United States military intercepted and destroyed twelve attack drones and five missiles that were launched by the Iran-backed Houthi group, according to US Navy officials. This incident reportedly occurred in the Red Sea region, as stated by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday. The US forces claimed that the attacks were carried out by the Houthis, but no damage to ships or injuries were reported.

According to CENTCOM’s statement, the operation involved the engagement of US assets, including the USS Laboon (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. These assets successfully intercepted twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea over approximately 10 hours. The interception began at around 6:30 am (Sanaa time) on December 26.

The USS Laboon, a US guided-missile destroyer, and F-18 fighter jets from the Eisenhower carrier strike group have been stationed in the southern Red Sea as part of a coalition led by the United States. This coalition aims to safeguard shipping lanes from potential attacks by the Houthi rebels, particularly in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait.

The announcement from the US Central Command came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting a ‘hostile aerial target’ heading towards Israel. The IDF's air traffic control monitored this target. The Houthis, claiming solidarity with Gaza, purportedly launched drones towards Eilat. The IDF Spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari denounced these attacks as ‘acts of terror’ orchestrated by Iran.

The IDF released footage showing the interception off the coast of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Witnesses cited by Egyptian media reported seeing an object falling into the Gulf of Aqaba near Dahab. While explosions were heard about two kilometres from the Egyptian seaside town of Dahab, no casualties or damages were reported.