US destroyer shoots down missile in Red Sea

A U.S. destroyer shot down drones and a missile launched by Yemens's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on 5 March. 

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces identified the missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region. 

CENTCOM said these actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

There are no injuries or damage to the ship.

The Houthis have not offered any assessment of the damage they've suffered in the American-led strikes that began in January, though they have said at least 22 of their fighters have been killed.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included at least one with cargo bound for Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.