US says Houthi drones shot down, as UK brands Iran ‘malign influence’

 The US has shot down four drones launched by Yemen's Houthis, a rebel group, as the UK's top diplomat branded Iran a "malign influence". The USS Laboon guided-missile destroyer downed the drones as they were approaching a vessel, causing no injuries or damage. The attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17. The Houthis also fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. The US has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect shipping amid escalating attacks in the waterway, one of the world's busiest trade routes.