The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen made headlines on Sunday as they utilized an unmanned submarine in an attack, marking the first time such a tactic has been employed. In response, the U.S. took action by conducting self-defense strikes on five targets in Houthi-controlled areas.
This use of unmanned underwater vessels by the Houthis signifies a significant advancement in their capabilities and strategy, with many experts pointing to Iran as the likely source of this technological escalation. The United States also targeted an unmanned surface vessel and anti-ship cruise missiles in the strikes.
The U.S. has long designated the Houthis as a global terrorist group, attributing their support to Iran, particularly from the IRGC Quds Force. Both the Houthis and the IRGC are adapting their tactics to target U.S. naval vessels, with unmanned weapons systems posing a particular threat due to their ability to conduct swarm attacks that can overwhelm ship defenses.
In a separate incident, the U.S. intercepted a cache of weapons from Iran destined for Houthi-controlled Yemen, including components for unmanned vessels. Additionally, the U.S. launched a cyberattack on an Iranian spy vessel believed to be providing targeting information to the Houthis.
Notably, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for several strikes, including targeting American and British ships in the Gulf of Aden. This escalating situation highlights the growing sophistication of unmanned weapons systems and the evolving strategies of Iran-backed groups in the region. Stay tuned to The Puck Drop for further developments on this unfolding story.
