In a late Tuesday night operation, the United States intercepted an attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, foiling their attempt to target a Greece-owned vessel and US warships located in the region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that three anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were fired from Yemen towards the Greece-owned vessel, as well as a Houthi UAV on a flight path towards the USS Philippine Sea and the USS Laboon.

Thankfully, the US successfully intercepted all the missiles and UAVs, averting a potential disaster. The CENTCOM confirmed that there were no initial signs of injuries or casualties as a result of the thwarted attack. The Greece-owned ship was also able to continue on its route following the incident.

This recent interception comes in response to the Houthi group's expansion of their attack area, with the aim of preventing Israel-linked ships from passing through the Indian Ocean towards the Cape of Good Hope. Just last month, the Houthi leader announced their strategy of targeting international shipping against Israel.

The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, have been increasingly resorting to drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, Bab-al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden since November. These attacks have forced shippers to reroute cargo, opting for longer and more expensive journeys around Southern Africa. The ongoing conflict raises concerns that it could further destabilize the Middle East and potentially spread the Israel-Hamas war.

Earlier this week, on Monday, another container ship was targeted by the Houthis while en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah. The Malta-flagged vessel was reportedly attacked with three missiles, presumably due to its operator's trade connections with Israel. An advisory note from maritime security firm Ambrey indicated that the ship was likely targeted for this reason.

The United States and Britain have responded to the Houthi attacks by carrying out strikes on Houthi targets as a means of retaliation. These actions highlight the international community's determination to protect global maritime trade and prevent further escalation in the region.

The successful interception by the US demonstrates the effectiveness of security measures employed to safeguard vessels and prevent potential disasters. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat in the Red Sea and the need for continued vigilance to ensure the safety and security of international shipping routes.