The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday announced that its forces had destroyed eight drones in Yemen belonging to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

In its statement, CENTCOM announced that it successfully destroyed eight Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen within 24 hours.
 
"These systems presented an imminent threat to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region," the statement said.

Additionally, CENTCOM noted that partner forces destroyed one Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Gulf of Aden.
 
"There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels," the statement added.
 
CENTCOM emphasized that these actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety and security of international waters for US, coalition, and merchant vessels.
 
In response to the war in Gaza, the Houthis have escalated their activities, launching drones and missiles toward Israel, most of which have been intercepted.

On 19 November, they hijacked a commercial ship in the Red Sea and have since carried out dozens of missile and drone attacks on vessels, damaging a number of ships.

US-led naval forces have thwarted many attacks. Initially targeting ships linked to Israel, the Houthis began focusing on UK and US vessels after airstrikes on their positions.

Major shipping companies have rerouted to avoid the Red Sea, affecting nearly 15% of global seaborne trade.

US and UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen started on 11 January, with President Joe Biden citing these strikes as a response to threats to trade and navigation.
 
The Houthis advocate for Yemen's Shiite Muslim minority and align with Iran's axis of resistance against Israel, the US, and the West.
 
The group, led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, emerged in the 1990s under founder Hussein al-Houthi.