US, British, and French forces have successfully repelled a series of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks off the coast of Yemen. The US military reported that they downed at least 28 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Red Sea early on Saturday. The coalition forces deemed the attack as a "large-scale" threat to merchant vessels and took immediate action to protect them.

The UK's Royal Navy frigate, HMS Richmond, played a crucial role in the defense against the Houthi attacks. The frigate successfully downed two drones launched by the Houthis on Friday night. UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized that the UK and its allies are committed to safeguarding lives and ensuring freedom of navigation.

In addition to the US and UK forces, French warships and fighter jets also played a significant role in repelling the Houthi attacks. They shot down four drones targeting a European naval mission and a cargo ship being towed in the Gulf of Aden. The mission was protecting a cargo ship named True Confidence, which had previously been struck by a missile, resulting in the death of three sailors.

The recent wave of attacks by the Houthis has had significant consequences for global trade. Vessels using the Red Sea have been forced to divert around southern Africa instead of using the Suez Canal, increasing costs and creating potential economic risks. Despite previous strikes by the US and UK against Houthi targets, there seems to be little sign of the threat to shipping abating.