“This defensive action directly contributed to the protection of the cargo ship True Confidence, under the Barbados flag, which was struck on Mar 6 and is being towed, as well as other commercial vessels transiting in the area,” it said.
France has a warship in the area as well as warplanes at its bases in Djibouti and the United Arab Emirates.
DRONE ATTACK
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said its warship HMS Richmond had joined international allies in repelling a Houthi drone attack overnight, saying no injuries or damage were sustained.
“Last night, HMS Richmond used its Sea Ceptor missiles to shoot down two attack drones – successfully repelling yet another illegal attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis,” defence minister Grant Shapps said on X.
“The UK and our allies will continue to take the action necessary to save lives and protect freedom of navigation.”
On Wednesday three seafarers were killed in a missile strike by the Houthis on the Greek operated True Confidence, the first civilian casualties since the group started its attacks on the key shipping route.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed there had been an attempted attack on the Singapore-flagged Propel Fortune.
It said the shipping company reported two explosions in close vicinity of the bulk carrier, but all crew on board were safe and the vessel was proceeding to its next port of call.
“Based on sources, Propel Fortune was likely targeted due to outdated US ownership data,” UKMTO said in a statement.
Sarea said the Houthis would continue their attacks “until the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted”.
Source: CNA
