UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that combined US and UK naval units successfully thwarted a significant assault by Yemen's Houthi insurgents on shipping in the Red Sea.

During the confrontation, carrier-launched aircraft and naval vessels intercepted and neutralized 21 drones and missiles launched by the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran.

The Houthi faction claimed that their attack was in response to a recent incident where rebels, aboard speedboats, attempted to assault a container ship. Shapps voiced strong suspicions of Iran's involvement in orchestrating such aggressive acts.

When questioned about potential retaliatory actions against Houthi assets in Yemen, Shapps suggested that observers should "stay tuned."

According to data from the US military, there have been 26 reported Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since November 19. Notably, the rebels have frequently asserted, without evidence, that their targets have ties to Israel, citing alleged Israeli actions during the Gaza conflict.

The US military detailed that the Houthi-launched arsenal, which included Iranian-designed attack drones and missiles, targeted international shipping routes in the southern Red Sea around 21:15 local time (18:15 GMT) on Tuesday.

In response, F/A-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, stationed in the region, along with four destroyers—including the USS Gravely, USS Laboon, USS Mason, and the UK's HMS Diamond—successfully downed 18 drones, two cruise missiles, and one ballistic missile.

BBC sources disclosed that HMS Diamond employed its advanced Sea Viper missiles and weaponry to intercept seven Houthi drones, each interception costing over £1 million ($1.3 million).

Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported in the aftermath of the operation.

Subsequently, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya al-Sarea acknowledged the offensive, describing it as a coordinated attack utilizing a vast array of naval and ballistic weaponry. He claimed that the primary target was a US vessel allegedly aiding Israel.

Al-Sarea warned that the rebels remain prepared to counteract any perceived threats, asserting their "legitimate right" to safeguard Yemen's sovereignty and its people.

Furthermore, he affirmed the Houthis' intent to restrict Israeli and pro-Israeli vessels from traversing both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, until, as he stated, Israeli hostilities cease and the blockade against Gaza is lifted.