On Thursday, an armed unmanned surface vessel, launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, approached within a “couple of miles” of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea before detonating.
This incident occurred shortly after the White House, along with several partner nations, issued a final warning to the Iran-backed Houthi militia group, urging them to halt such attacks or potentially face military action.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, said it was the first time the Houthis had used an unmanned surface vessel, or USV, since their harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea began after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. They have, however, used them in years past.
Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, highlighted the significance of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the Houthi maritime arsenal. These USVs have been utilized in previous confrontations against the Saudi coalition forces involved in Yemen’s war, often functioning as suicide drone boats that explode upon impact. Hinz noted that while most of the Houthis’ USVs are likely assembled in Yemen, they are frequently equipped with components from Iran, including computerized guidance systems. an armed unmanned surface
U.S. deputy ambassador Christopher Lu, speaking at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with funds and advanced weaponry, such as drones, land attack cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The U.S. emphasized that it is not seeking a confrontation with Iran but called on Tehran to reconsider its support for the Houthis, as without it, the militia group would struggle to effectively carry out attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
A joint statement from several countries, including the U.S., issued a final warning to the Houthis, demanding an immediate end to their attacks on commercial vessels. The statement held the Houthis responsible for any consequences resulting from their continued threats to lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the critical waterways of the region.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder did not confirm whether military action would follow the recent launch of the sea drone but emphasized the joint international statement, indicating potential consequences if the attacks persist. Since late October, the Houthis have launched numerous one-way attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea. In response, Operation Prosperity Guardian was initiated in December to protect commercial ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Despite the defensive nature of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Houthis have continued their attacks, prompting the warning from the White House and its allies. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the operation, involving warships from the U.S., UK, France, Greece, and Denmark, to safeguard commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea. The operation has allowed 1,500 ships to transit safely since its launch on December 18, but the Houthis’ persistent attacks have raised concerns about potential future military actions.