ISTANBUL

US forces shot down a one-way attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) used by Houthi rebels in Yemen due to an "imminent threat to merchant vessels and to US Navy ships," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement Thursday.

Early Wednesday local time, “CENTCOM forces conducted four self-defense strikes against seven mobile Houthi Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles and one mobile Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile launcher that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea," the statement said. "Additionally, during this time frame CENTCOM forces shot down a one-way attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in self-defense," it added.

"CENTCOM forces identified the missiles, launchers and UAS originating from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region," the statement said, adding that "CENTCOM forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles, launchers and UAS in self-defense."

"These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels."

Houthis have been targeting vessels in the southern Red Sea, warning that it will attack all Israeli-bound ships. It said the attacks are meant to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter the Houthi attacks.