Yesterday, the Daring-class air-defense guided missile destroyer HMS Diamond, alongside several American naval vessels, intercepted Houthi drones and missiles launched towards commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
According to UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, the vessel deployed “Sea Viper missiles and guns, DIAMOND destroyed multiple attack drones heading for her and commercial shipping in the area” and repelled “the largest attack from the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.”
No damage or injuries were reported.
“The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences. We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy,” he added.
The HMS Diamond is currently deployed as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an American-led international maritime security coalition that aims to protect commercial shipping vessels from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Secretary Shapps previously stated “This is an international problem that requires an international solution. That is why HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian. This new task force will protect shipping and vital trade routes in the Red Sea, where large amounts of goods and oil transit through to Europe and on to the UK.”
The Houthis say that attacks will continue until Israel ceases its assault on Gaza.