The British warship HMS Diamond successfully thwarted a Houthi drone attack in the Red Sea. The Ministry of Defence reported that the vessel, equipped with the state-of-the-art Sea Viper missile system, neutralized the hostile drone without sustaining any injuries or damage.
The incident occurred on Saturday when the HMS Diamond detected and engaged a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi group. Deploying the Sea Viper system, the warship swiftly and accurately destroyed the threat, underscoring the effectiveness of the advanced technology at its disposal.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized the gravity of such attacks, deeming them “intolerable and illegal.” In a statement released on Sunday, officials asserted, “It is our duty to protect the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.” The successful defense by the HMS Diamond reinforces the commitment to ensuring maritime security in a region that has witnessed escalating tensions.
The Houthi movement, aligned with Iran, initiated a series of drone and missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since November 19. These actions are purportedly in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The latest attack on a tanker vessel, which resulted in a fire onboard, highlights the severity of the situation.
In response to the Houthi attacks, U.S. and British warplanes, ships, and submarines have carried out retaliatory strikes across Yemen, targeting Houthi forces.