Iran-backed Houthi rebels have once again attacked merchant ships in the Red Sea, according to US reports. US Central Command announced on Tuesday evening that US and British fighter planes had shot down 18 drones and three missiles with air to air missiles. The intercepted drones and missiles had been fired from Yemeni areas controlled by the Houthis into the southern Red Sea in the direction of international shipping lanes where there were dozens of merchant ships. No casualties or damage were reported. It was the 26th attack by the Houthis on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since N…