Brigadier General Yahya Sare’e, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces, announced that naval operations by the Sanaa-based government have targeted vessels from the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemeni waters.
These actions are in response to the U.S. labeling of Ansarullah as a terrorist group, ongoing aggression by the U.S. and UK against Yemen, and the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The Sanaa government asserts its capability to escalate tensions in the Red and Arabian seas significantly.
Within a day, Ansarullah’s military targeted two American vessels, named “Sea Champion” and “Navis Fortuna,” in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, Yemeni forces struck the British cargo ship Rubymar with two missiles, causing significant damage and risking its sinking.
However, the crew of the British ship was safely evacuated during the operation. Tehran Times reported this development today.
The Yemeni air defenses also successfully intercepted a U.S. MQ-9 aircraft in the skies over Hodeidah, preventing its hostile actions against Yemen on behalf of Israel. Ansarullah later released footage showing the drone being shot down by a surface-to-air missile and its subsequent destruction.
Brigadier General Sare’e emphasized that operations in the Red and Arabian seas will persist until Israeli aggression ends and the blockade on Gaza is lifted. Notably, this is not the first time Ansarullah forces have downed a modern U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.
In an interview on CBS’s ’60 Minutes,’ U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper acknowledged the significant naval engagement in the Red Sea, comparing it to historic naval battles, indicating a serious confrontation.
Since mid-November, Yemeni armed forces have enforced a blockade on the Red and Arabian seas against Israeli vessels and those bound for Israeli ports, in solidarity with Gaza. The Supreme Political Council of the Sanaa government reaffirmed Yemen’s steadfast stance, vowing to continue until the Israeli siege on Gaza ends and essential supplies are permitted entry.
The council also underlined the government’s determination to intensify operations against hostile nations in Yemeni waters. Despite ongoing attacks by the U.S. and UK, Yemen remains resolute and has expanded its targets to include American and British vessels near its borders.
In response to escalating hostilities, Ansarullah leader Mahdi al-Mashat officially designated the United States and the United Kingdom as “level One” entities hostile to Yemen.
