‘Largest Houthi attack to date’ in Red Sea repelled by HMS Diamond and US warships, Grant Shapps says

A British warship shot down seven drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi fighters in the Red Sea in an operation with US forces to repel the largest drone and missile attack to date.

Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, said the drones had been heading towards HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer deployed by the UK to help protect shipping in the region, as well as commercial vessels on Tuesday night.

American warplanes, operating from a giant aircraft carrier, as well as other US warships, also took part in the mission.

A total of 18 one-way attack drones – designed to explode upon impact – were fired by Houthi militias in Yemen along with two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile at about 9.15pm local time, according to a statement by the US military describing it as a “complex attack”.

The US said this was the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping since 19 November.

Mr Shapps, in a statement released on social media, detailed the UK involvement: “Overnight, HMS Diamond, along with US warships, successfully repelled the largest attack from the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.

“Deploying Sea Viper missiles and guns, Diamond destroyed multiple attack drones heading for her and commercial shipping in the area, with no injuries or damage sustained to Diamond or her crew.

“The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences.

“We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”

Iran-backed Houthis say the attacks are aimed at ending the air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip following the 7 October attacks by Hamas.

A US-led coalition of nations has been patrolling the Red Sea to try and prevent the attacks.

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Why are the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea?

Ships saw approaching missiles and drones

The United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors shipping attacks in the region, said it was aware of an attack off the Yemeni port of Hodeida on Tuesday.

Private intelligence firm Ambrey said ships described over the radio seeing missiles and drones, with US-allied warships in the area urging “vessels to proceed at maximum speed”.

The attack took place ahead of a planned United Nations Security Council vote on Wednesday to potentially condemn and demand an immediate halt to the rebel attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.