US-led coalition forces off the coast of Yemen shot down four drones and an anti-ship missile launched by Huthi rebels Wednesday, American authorities said, as the Iran-backed group’s attacks on Red Sea shipping continued, AFP reports.

US Central Command (Centcom) said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that just before noon Sanaa time (0900 GMT) a coalition vessel “successfully engaged one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM)” launched from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen.

The missile was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a US-flagged shipping vessel, Centcom said, adding there were no injuries or damage.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, have launched dozens of missile and drone strikes targeting shipping since November, actions they say are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Centcom also said it had engaged and destroyed four drones launched by the Houthis shortly after the missile launch.

“It was determined that the ASBM and UAVs (drones) presented an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region,” Centcom said.

Opinion

Editorial

Limiting the damage
Updated 07 Mar, 2026

Limiting the damage

Govt plan to revive a range of Covid-era steps reflect a recognition that early restraint can limit disruptive interventions.
Diplomatic option
07 Mar, 2026

Diplomatic option

WITH Operation Ghazab lil Haq underway for over a week now, Pakistan has demonstrated that it can take firm action...
Polio, again
07 Mar, 2026

Polio, again

ANOTHER child has fallen victim to polio, this time in Sindh. The National Institute of Health this week confirmed...
On unstable ground
Updated 06 Mar, 2026

On unstable ground

PAKISTAN’S economic managers repeatedly tout improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including rising foreign...
Divide et impera
06 Mar, 2026

Divide et impera

AS if the high loss of life in Iran, regional escalation and economic turbulence caused by the US-Israeli aggression...
New approach needed
06 Mar, 2026

New approach needed

WITH one World Cup campaign ending in despair, Pakistan began to plan for the start of the cycle of another by...