Defence Ministry: UK Downs Houthi Missile Aiming at Merchant Vessel

The defense ministry stated on Thursday that the Huthis, who are supported by Iran, launched a missile at a commerce vessel in the Gulf of Aden, which was intercepted by the British Royal Navy.
The missile was shot down on Wednesday by the HMS Diamond warship using a Sea Viper missile system, according to the ministry.

“The UK continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Iranian-backed Huthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners,” said Grant Shapps, the defense secretary.

“I want to thank the brave crew of HMS Diamond for her vital role in saving innocent lives and protecting international shipping from illegal Houthi attacks.”

On January 12, US and British troops launched their first coordinated attacks with the goal of lessening the Huthis’ capacity to target ships that are traveling the vital Red Sea commerce route. According to the Huthis, Israel and Hamas are at war in the Gaza Strip, and the strikes are in support of the Palestinian people there.

In November, the Huthis started to attack vessels in the Red Sea.

The Huthis have pledged to keep up their assaults, but the US military has also conducted unilateral airstrikes.

Approximately 12% of all worldwide marine traffic passes through the Red Sea. Many maritime companies have abandoned the channel since the assaults began, choosing to travel the longer and more costly route around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.