WASHINGTON, June 29, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - American forces have destroyed seven drones and a control station vehicle in Huthi-controlled areas of in Yemen over the past 24 hours, the US military said Friday.

The strikes were carried out because the drones and the vehicle "presented an imminent threat to US coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region," the US Central Command said in a statement on X.

The Iran-backed Huthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023 in attacks they say are in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

The United States and Britain have carried out strikes in Yemen aimed at degrading the rebels' ability to carry out attacks, while there is also an international military effort to intercept drones and missiles fired at ships.

"These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure," CENTCOM said.

"This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Huthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden."

The attacks have sent insurance costs spiraling for vessels transiting the Red Sea and prompted many shipping firms to take the far longer passage around the southern tip of Africa instead.