Houthis launch ballistic missiles at Israel, US destroyer shoots down drone

(Patria) - The Yemeni Houthi group launched several ballistic missiles at military positions in the southern Israeli city of Eilat, the group's spokesman said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, the "Mason", a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, shot down a drone originating from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, a US official said. There were no injuries or material damage, and it was unclear what the drone was targeting.

This is the sixth time the US Navy has fired on unmanned aerial vehicles in the southern Red Sea since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7, and it comes amid a series of attacks on commercial ships in Middle Eastern waters.

A Houthi statement said they would continue "carrying out their military operations against the Israeli enemy, as well as implementing the decision to prevent Israeli ships from sailing in the Arabian and Red Seas in support of the oppressed Palestinian people".

The Houthis, an ally of Iran, have launched long-range missiles and barrages of drones at Israel and Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians. Earlier on Wednesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the British maritime security company Ambrey reported an incident involving a suspected drone over the Red Sea west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The UKMTO warned ships transiting the area to be cautious.

The US military said on Sunday that three commercial ships had been attacked in the southern Red Sea. Earlier this week, the Pentagon said Houthi attacks might not be aimed at US warships, although the US Navy has responded by shooting down drones and missiles.

The Houthis claimed responsibility on Sunday for drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area, saying the attacks were in response to the demands of Yemenis and calls from Muslim countries to stand with the Palestinian people.