A US warship shot down kamikaze drones fired by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea just days after the Iran-backed group hijacked an Israeli-owned cargo ship.

Officials said missile-destroyer USS Thomas Hudner fired in defence of Israel in the brazen attempt by rebels on Wednesday morning.

It comes after a series of drone and missile attacks against US forces poised to defend Israel in Iraq and Syria by the Houthi group.

Just days ago the rebel group hijacked a shipping vessel owned by an Israeli billionaire – also in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen.

The Yemen-based rebels vowed they would target all ships owned by Israel or flying their flag in the Red Sea.

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The Iran-backed group controls Yemen and its coast along the Red Sea.

It is widely believed they receive support from Iran – and often operate as one of its proxies.

Iran is believed to actively arm the group, and even provide them with potential targets.

Houthi involvement stokes fears that the war in Gaza could spiral out into the wider Middle East.

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