Houthi militants appear to be ignoring U.S. warnings about their repeated attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

Yemeni Houthis launched a drone to attack several ships in the Red Sea despite the recent U.S. warnings of ‘consequences’ after attacks on vessels.

As it is reported the drone was shot down by a U.S. warship, according to the U.S. Central Command.

“On January 6, an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen was shot down in self-defense by USS LABOON (DDG 59) in international waters of the Southern Red Sea in the vicinity of multiple commercial vessels,” the statement reads.

At the same time, it was reported that there was “no information about casualties or damage.”

Also over the weekend, six small craft approached a merchant ship some 50 nautical miles southeast of Mocha in Yemen. Naval ships in the region were quick to respond and the small vessels quickly moved away.

Two days later the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) received a report of another attempt by two small craft.

UKMTO received a report on Monday of two small craft with a green hull approaching a merchant vessel to within 0.5NM-1NM, approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukha, Yemen.

No weapons have been sighted and vessel and crew are safe. Authorities are investigating and vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

UK-based Maritime Asset Security & Training (MAST) Ltd warned that a suspicious approach may not seem as dire as a direct attack, however they often lead to more sinister situations.

“Please ensure your vessels are adhering to the latest BMP5 measures when transiting the Red Sea/Bab el Mandab and your security teams are staying highly vigilant,” it was noted.

Furthermore, sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) conducted on January 4 small boat operations while operating in support of the Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea.

The United States joined recently with several of its allies to warn Yemen Houthis against further attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, labelling recent Houthi attacks “illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing.”

The United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom all joined in issuing the stark warning.

“The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways,” the statement read.