HMS Diamond was deployed by the UK to help protect shipping (Picture: PA)
British and US forces repelled the largest attack by Yemen-based Houthis in the Red Sea to date, putting the entire Middle East on its toes.
Backed by Iran, rebels fired 21 drones and missiles towards international shipping lanes, the US military’s Central Command said.
Drones were heading towards the Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond, a destroyer that was deployed by the UK to help protect shipping, as well as commercial vessels.
Defence secretary, Grant Shapps, said in a statement on X: ‘Overnight, HMS Diamond, along with US warships, successfully repelled the largest attack from the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.
‘Deploying Sea Viper missiles and guns, Diamond destroyed multiple attack drones heading for her and commercial shipping in the area, with no injuries or damage sustained to Diamond or her crew.
‘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.’
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