Washington D.C. - An armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen came within a couple of miles of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea before detonating on Thursday, marking the first time the Houthi militia group had utilized such technology since their harassment of commercial ships began months ago.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, confirmed that this was the first instance of the Houthis using a USV during their ongoing conflict with the Saudi coalition forces. These USVs have been frequently deployed as suicide drone boats, often exploding upon impact.

Experts, such as Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, suggest that while most of the USVs are assembled in Yemen, they incorporate components produced in Iran, including computerized guidance systems.

Tensions in the region have been escalating since late October, with the Houthis launching numerous attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy has successfully intercepted ballistic missiles that were allegedly targeting Israel during this period. According to Vice Admiral Cooper, U.S. warships have shot down a total of 61 missiles and drones to date.

In response to these attacks, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian in December. This operation involved the deployment of additional warships from the United States and other countries to safeguard commercial vessels transiting through the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Since its commencement on December 18, approximately 1,500 commercial ships have transited safely under the protection of Operation Prosperity Guardian.

However, despite these defensive measures, the Houthis have persisted in launching missiles and attack drones, prompting a joint warning from the White House and 12 allied nations on Wednesday. The warning stated that the Houthi militia must cease their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, or they may face potential targeted military action.

Vice Admiral Cooper stressed that Operation Prosperity Guardian is solely a defensive operation and separate from any potential military intervention that the United States may undertake if the Houthi attacks continue in the region. Currently, the United States, United Kingdom, and France are contributing the majority of warships to the operation, while Greece and Denmark will also be providing vessels.

The situation in the Red Sea remains tense as the international community closely monitors Houthi activities and their potential impact on maritime security.