The UK's defense secretary announced that a British warship, HMS Diamond, successfully intercepted and destroyed a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea.

Grant Shapps stated that it was the first time in decades that the Royal Navy had engaged an aerial target in a hostile manner.

The Ministry of Defence did not specify the responsible party, but recent attacks in the Red Sea have been claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have declared support for Hamas.

The incident, believed to target merchant shipping, marks a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea.

HMS Diamond had been deployed to the region just two weeks before to support international efforts in maintaining maritime security.

"The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade," he added.

Earlier this month, the US military said the Unity Explorer, sailing under the flag of the Bahamas and owned by a British company, was among three commercial vessels targeted in an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

On Friday, shipping company Maersk told all its vessels planning to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to "pause their journey until further notice" after a missile attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.

About 50 large merchant ships pass through the strait every day while double that number pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the MoD, the last time the Royal Navy shot down an aerial target in anger was in the First Gulf War in 1991, when Type 42 Destroyer HMS Gloucester destroyed an Iraqi Silkworm missile bound for a US warship.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "One-sixth of the world's commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.

"HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.

"The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas."

This war should just end

War is not wanted
It should end

Noted