The United States military says it has intercepted and downed 14 drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen's Red Sea region on Saturday.

"In the early morning hours of December 16 (Sanna time) the U.S. Arliegh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY (DDG 64), operating in the Red Sea, successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen," read a statement by the CENTCOM.

"The UAS were assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. Regional Red Sea partners were alerted to the threat."

The attack occurred as the Houthis on Friday targeted two commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. No injuries or damages to ships were reported.

Following the incident, Danish shipping company Maersk announced a pause in all container shipments through the Red Sea, while German container line Hapag Lloyd is considering a similar move. The Houthis, retaliating against the Israeli military operation in Gaza, expanded their threat to all shipping, prompting concerns in the international maritime community.

Amidst escalating tensions, the United States is reportedly in talks with 12 countries to establish a naval coalition aimed at safeguarding international shipping in the Red Sea. Iranian proxy groups, including the Houthis, have been targeting US military bases in Iraq and Syria since mid-October, linked to Washington's support for Israel after a Hamas terror attack that claimed civilian lives. Iran, while avoiding direct military involvement, faces allegations of supporting proxy attacks on US and Israeli targets and international shipping.