The U.S. military said U.S. and coalition forces shot down five Houthi drones in the Red Sea late Tuesday.
U.S. Central Command said the drones were launched from areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and “posed an imminent threat to commercial shipping, U.S. Navy and coalition ships in the area.”
The attack was the latest in months of operations aimed at countering Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis say they stand in solidarity with the Palestinians in the war in Gaza.
The attacks have prompted many shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea corridor and instead opt for longer, more expensive routes around Africa.
Maritime security companies reported the latest suspected Houthi attack late Tuesday about 110 kilometers west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center said it received reports that a rocket exploded a few kilometers away from a ship. The ship was uninjured and was en route to its next port of call.
British security firm Ambrey said the vessel involved appeared to be a Greek-owned bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag.
This report contains information obtained from AFP and Reuters.
