Red Sea: Houthis target bulk carrier, US destroyers

US, French and British forces shot down dozens of drones in the Red Sea region overnight Friday into Saturday after Yemen’s Houthis targeted the bulk carrier Propel Fortune and US destroyers in the area.

The Houthis have stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November in a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, said in a televised address on Saturday that his forces targeted the cargo ship and “some US warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with 37 drones.”

US Navy ships and aircraft shot down 28 Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Red Sea region, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said earlier on Saturday, stressing that no warplanes from the European alliance Aspides or merchant ships in the area were not affected.

US and Coalition Defeat Houthi Attack in Red Sea Area

Following further engagements through the morning, U.S. and Coalition forces downed a total of at least 28 uncrewed aerial vehicles between 4:00 a.m. and

8:20 a.m. (Sanaa time) on Mar. 9. No U.S. or Coalition Navy vessels… pic.twitter.com/nKmrTu5xVv

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 9, 2024

European ships and planes shot down drones approaching them and True Confidence

A French warship and fighter jets also shot down four fighter drones heading for naval vessels belonging to the European Aspides mission in the area, a French military statement said. “This defensive action directly contributed to the protection of the Barbados-flagged cargo ship True Confidence, which was struck on March 6 and is being towed, as well as other commercial vessels transiting the area,” it said.

France has a warship in the region as well as warplanes at its bases in Djibouti and the United Arab Emirates. Britain’s Ministry of Defense said its warship HMS Richmond joined international allies in repelling a Houthi drone attack overnight, saying there were no injuries or damage.

“Last night, HMS Richmond used Sea Ceptor missiles to shoot down two attack drones – successfully repelling yet another illegal attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis,” Defense Secretary Grant Shapps told X.

Last night, HMS Richmond used its Sea Ceptor missiles to shoot down two attack drones – successfully repelling yet another illegal attack by the Iranian backed Houthis.

The UK and our allies will continue to take the action necessary to save lives and protect freedom of… pic.twitter.com/CIeGaAgjg8

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 9, 2024

“The UK and our allies will continue to take the necessary steps to save lives and protect freedom of navigation.”

The hit on True Confidence

Three sailors were killed Wednesday in a Houthi missile attack on the Greek-owned True Confidence, the first civilian casualties since the group launched its attacks on the key shipping route.

The British Maritime Safety Organization, UKMTO, also confirmed that there was an attempted attack on the Singapore-flagged Propel Fortune.

The shipping company reported two explosions in close proximity to the bulk carrier, but all crew were safe and the ship was proceeding to its next port.

“According to sources, Propel Fortune was likely targeted due to past US ownership information which is no longer valid,” the UKMTO said.

However, the Houthis have made it clear that they will continue their attacks “until the [ισραηλινή] aggression and to lift the siege of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”