Urgent.. US Central Command announces the downing of six drones and confirms that a commercial ship was hit
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the downing of six Iranian-backed Houthi drones that were targeting US warships and coalition forces in the Red Sea.
The US Central Command said in a statement that the incident occurred on February 22, between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Sanaa time, and the drones were shot down by American aircraft and a coalition warship.
US Central Command determined that the drones posed an imminent threat to US warships and coalition forces.
Later, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles from southern Yemen into the Gulf of Aden.
The missiles hit the bulk carrier MV Island, a UK-owned, Palau-flagged ship, resulting in a minor hit and minor damage, and the ship continues its voyage.
The US Central Command affirmed its commitment to protecting freedom of maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
It warned that any attacks by the Houthis on US warships or coalition forces would be met with a decisive response.
