A Greek frigate deployed to the Red Sea last month to ward off attacks on shipping by Yemen’s Huthis saw action for the first time on Wednesday, the military said.

The Greek general staff in a statement said that the frigate Hydra had fired its gun at two drones, which then flew away.

The engagement in the Gulf of Aden was part of the Hydra’s mission to provide protection for a cargo ship, which the military did not identify by name.

The Hydra sailed out last month to join the operation Aspides, named after the Greek word for shield, which was launched by the European Union in February with the goal of protecting international shipping.

Since November, the Iran-backed Huthis, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa, have been attacking ships in the Red Sea in professed solidarity with Palestinians as Israel’s war against Hamas militants in Gaza endures.

Source: AFP