The UK's Ministry of Defence released visuals showing the HMS Diamond deploying Sea Viper missiles and weaponry. According to the UK defence secretary, UK and US naval forces have

successfully thwarted the most extensive attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea.

As per the US military, the Iran-backed faction launched 18 drones and three missiles on Tuesday night. These hostile elements were intercepted and brought down by carrier-based jets and four warships. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or damage resulting from the incident.

While the Houthis have not issued any statements regarding the attack, their past actions indicate a pattern of targeting merchant vessels, often citing their response to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. They've frequently alleged, albeit falsely, connections of these ships to Israel.

The recent attack on Tuesday marked the 26th assault since November 19, as reported by the US military. A coalition of nations, including the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan, and 10 others, has condemned these actions, emphasizing their illegality and the direct threat they pose to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Nearly 15% of global trade passes through this critical waterway.

Despite the warnings, the allies have refrained from launching strikes on targets in rebel-held northwest Yemen as a form of retaliation. However, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps cautioned on Wednesday that if the attacks persist, the Houthis will face consequences.

He stressed, "We will take the necessary measures to safeguard innocent lives and the global economy." Photo by Dirgela, Wikimedia commons.