The French Navy in the Red Sea destroyed two new drones coming from Yemen during the night of Wednesday to Thursday February 22, the General Staff of the Armed Forces announced during a press briefing on Thursday.
After having already announced on Tuesday the destruction of two drones in this area, the General Staff of the Armed Forces announced that a French multi-mission frigate had
“detected the same type of threat, engaged and destroyed two drones”
during the night.
Houthi rebels, who control large areas of Yemen, have been carrying out attacks on ships in the region since November.
They claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is waging a bloody war against Hamas in retaliation for the unprecedented October 7 attack on Israeli soil.
Two French frigates deployed
France deployed the multi-mission frigate (FREMM) Alsace to the region on January 20, which joined the FREMM Languedoc arriving on December 8, 2023, according to the ministry.
On December 10, Languedoc had to fire Aster 15 anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down two drones that were heading straight towards it.
Such a launch of surface-to-air missiles in self-defense was a first for the French Navy.
Faced with Houthi attacks, the United States set up a multinational maritime protection force in the Red Sea in December, called
“Prosperity Guardian”
, while the European Union announced on Monday the official launch of a similar mission, planned for one year and possibly renewable.
It will be able to fire to defend merchant ships or defend itself, but will not be able to target objectives on land against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, according to diplomats.
Several countries have expressed their intention to participate, notably Belgium, Italy, Germany and France.
Spain has indicated that it will not participate.
A European military source explained to AFP on Monday that the mission would provide
“support, surveillance and possibly protection”
in the area.