The U.S. Central Command stated that the Houthis launched a ballistic missile yesterday, Tuesday, from an area they control in Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea. The missile did not hit the vessel, and there were no material or human casualties. The command added in a statement early Wednesday, "U.S. Central Command and a coalition ship successfully engaged and destroyed two drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen."
It was determined that these weapons pose an imminent threat to commercial and U.S. naval vessels. Measures are being taken to protect freedom of navigation and to make international waters safer for the U.S. Navy and commercial ships.
On March 12, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea between 2:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. (Sanaa time).
Meanwhile, an Italian military ship shot down two drones in the Red Sea on Tuesday as part of the European operation "Aspide," aimed at countering Houthi attacks, as announced by the Italian Ministry of Defense.
The statement clarified, "As part of the EU Aspide operation, vessel Cayo Duilio shot down two drones based on the principle of self-defense," and reminded that this operation aims to "defend freedom of navigation and trade routes" through the Red Sea.
This marks the first announcement from Rome regarding the downing of drones in the Red Sea since parliament approved participation in "Aspide," which Italy is leading operationally just a week ago.
