British Navy's HMS Diamond successfully intercepts and neutralizes potential threat drone in the Red Sea

The UK's defence secretary, Grant Shapps, has announced that a British warship destroyed a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea. The Type 45 Destroyer HMS Diamond successfully shot down the target on Saturday, marking the first time in decades that the Royal Navy has engaged in this kind of action. The Ministry of Defence did not disclose the identity of those behind the incident, but Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for recent attacks in the Red Sea. The rebels declared their support for Hamas and have been targeting foreign ships heading to Israel. It is believed that the drone was intended to attack merchant shipping. The Red Sea is a vital waterway connecting the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal. HMS Diamond was deployed to the region two weeks ago to enhance international efforts in maintaining maritime security. Shapps emphasized that the attacks pose a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea and that the UK is committed to defending against such attacks. Recent missile attacks on commercial vessels have prompted shipping company Maersk to advise its vessels planning to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to halt their journey. The strait sees about 50 large merchant ships pass through each day, while the Strait of Hormuz records double that number. The last time the Royal Navy shot down an aerial target in an act of aggression was during the First Gulf War in 1991. The significance of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait was highlighted by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key, stating that one-sixth of the world's commercial shipping passes through this area. The Royal Navy is dedicated to safeguarding the freedom of the seas and will not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against lawful maritime activities.