[IsraelTimes] The US military says it has "successfully engaged" five unmanned drones over the Red Sea that "presented an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region."
US Central Command does not say in the statement if the drones were destroyed after they were identified.
"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels," the CENTCOM statement adds.
The Iran-backed Houthis, who control much of war-torn Yemen, have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea since November in a campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The US has spearheaded a naval coalition to protect vessels in the vital waterway, and has also conducted air strikes in Houthi territory, both on its own and alongside Britain.
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