The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that on Monday Iranian-backed Houthi forces launched three uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.

According to CENTCOM, a coalition ship intercepted one of the drones, US forces took down another, and the third crashed into the Gulf. There were no injuries or damages reported.

“Later, at approximately 5:02 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 7, Iran-backed Houthi terrorists launched an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damages reported by US, coalition, or merchant vessels,” added CENTCOM.

Yemen's Houthi attacks in the Red Sea area, which they claim are in support of the Palestinians in Gaza, have disrupted international shipping routes. The Red Sea blockade has led companies to opt for lengthier and costlier routes around southern Africa. The assaults started in mid-November following a call by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for Muslims to blockade Israel to force it into a ceasefire amid the Gaza war.

This latest development comes shortly after CENTCOM forces destroyed three similar unmanned systems last week in a region of Yemen under Houthi control.

In response to the escalated threat from the Houthis, whose attacks have targeted global shipping, not only Israeli linked vessels, the United States, in cooperation with the United Kingdom, has ramped up military operations within Yemen.