Houthis Launch ‘Complex Attack’ on Shipping in Red Sea

The U.S. Central Command is confirming details of the latest attack on shipping in the Red Sea, stating that a barrage of missiles and one-way attack drones was launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in what was described as a “complex attack.”

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office said it received a report from a commercial vessel in the Red Sea of an “incident” approximately 50 nautical miles west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. An update from the UKMTO said there had been multiple reports of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) activity in the area.

U.S. media later reported that warships with Operation Prosperity Guardian shot down several drones and missiles launched from Yemen in what is believed to be the “largest attack to date” by the Houthis against merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed details of the incident in a post to “X” Tuesday night, stating that a combination of U.S. warships, fighter jets, and a UK warship shot down eighteen suicide drones and three missiles launched from Yemen towards international shipping lanes where “dozens” of ships were transiting. No damages to ships were reported.

“On Jan. 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched a complex attack of Iranian designed one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea, towards international shipping lanes where dozens of merchant vessels were transiting.

“Eighteen OWA UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down by a combined effort of F/A-18s from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the United Kingdom’s HMS Diamond (D34).“

The post reiterated an earlier warning that “The Houthis will bear the responsibility for the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.”

An advisory note from security firm Ambrey earlier in the day said a bulk carrier detected three small vessels near their port quarter and saw two missiles fired from the direction of the boats, according to Reuters. No ships have reported damaged, the note said. Separately, a tanker reported seeing either flares or missile trails, according to Ambrey.

This latest attack marks the 26th attack on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis since November and the second attack since the U.S. and eleven of its allies issued a warning to the Houthis on January 3rd that they would face consequences if they continue with the attacks.

Within 24 hours of the joint statement, the Houthis group sent an unmanned surface vessel (USV) loaded with explosives into international shipping lanes. The USV eventually detonated near multiple ships, including both merchant and U.S. Navy vessels, but no damage was reported.

Despite the establishment of the international naval coalition Operation Prosperity Guardian in mid-December, the majority of containerships in particular are continuing to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope as the Houthis continue to launch attacks unabated, resulting in longer voyages and pushing container spot rates higher.

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