Yemen: On Sunday, June 9, 2024, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced a new operation involving three significant military actions in the Red and Arabian Seas. This was in response to the brutal massacre committed by the Zionist enemy, with American participation, in the Nuseirat camp in Gaza on Saturday.

One of these operations targeted the British destroyer Diamond in the Red Sea with several ballistic missiles, achieving precise hits. This targeting marks a milestone in the fourth escalation phase, as the destroyer is a prominent military asset of the United Kingdom, renowned for its air defense capabilities and tasked with protecting naval formations from aerial attacks.

The British destroyer Diamond sailed to the Gulf of Aden at the end of last year to support Israel after Yemeni Armed Forces imposed a blockade on Israeli ships, preventing them from passing through the Red Sea to Palestinian ports. It entered the Red Sea shortly after the Yemeni forces seized the Israeli vessel Galaxy Leader and brought it to the port of Hodeidah.

Equipped with the Sea Viper air defense system, capable of tracking up to 2,000 targets and managing multiple Aster missiles simultaneously, the Diamond entered service in 2011. It weighs 9,400 tons, is 152 meters long, 21 meters wide, has a speed of 56 km/h, and a range of 13,000 kilometers. The destroyer is also equipped with multi-purpose radars and electronic warfare systems.

Sent to the Red Sea to counter Yemeni Armed Forces, the destroyer Diamond was intended to protect ships from Yemeni attacks, according to British experts. However, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated last year that the destroyer would enhance the UK's naval presence in the Gulf and deter escalation in the Red Sea, primarily targeting Yemeni forces. This mission also aimed to support Israel, which faced significant setbacks after the Al-Aqsa Storm operation.

Despite being in the Red Sea for over seven months, the British destroyer and American warships have failed to protect ships heading to occupied Palestinian ports. The Yemeni Armed Forces have upheld their blockade, inflicting significant economic losses on the US, UK, and Israel.

Targeting the British destroyer Diamond is one of the Yemeni Armed Forces' strategic strikes against US-British aggression, following the attack on the American aircraft carrier Eisenhower and the recent Zionist crime in the Nuseirat camp in Gaza. This operation is part of the fourth escalation phase, demonstrating the Yemeni Armed Forces' surprising capabilities.

Remarkable Advancement

Military expert Brigadier General Fadl Al-Dhalai stated that targeting the British destroyer indicates a qualitative leap for the Yemeni Armed Forces, particularly in missile and drone technology. He noted that American and British forces are now struggling to protect their ships, marking a significant achievement for Yemen.

Al-Dhalai emphasized that many US and European warships have retreated under the powerful strikes of Yemeni forces, suggesting these actions are a prelude to a more intense fifth escalation phase, which will further pressure the Zionist, American, and British enemies and their allies.

He praised the strategic leadership guiding the Yemeni forces, highlighting their remarkable progress and the profound impact of their tactics, which have astonished global military powers. The innovative military strategies of the Yemeni Armed Forces are expected to be studied in future military academies.

Al-Dhalai reaffirmed that the Zionist enemy will face severe repercussions from Yemen for its crimes against Palestinians. Despite the international community's inaction, Yemen is committed to holding the Zionist regime accountable.

Translated by Almasirah English website