US Warship Destroys Incoming Yemeni Missile

The Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile targeting a U.S. naval vessel, the USS Carney, patrolling the Gulf of Aden on Friday. The USS Carney, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, intercepted and destroyed the incoming missile, ensuring no injuries or damage occurred. This incident is part of a series of attacks by the Houthi rebels against vessels traversing the Red Sea and adjacent waters, which has significantly disrupted international maritime trade during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have not yet acknowledged this specific attack, which is consistent with their pattern of delaying claims of responsibility. The attack was first reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Operations, a British military unit monitoring Middle East waterways, near Aden, a port city in Yemen.

While the U.S. military’s Central Command confirmed the attack and the successful defense by the USS Carney, they refrained from directly accusing the Houthis of targeting the warship. This cautious approach reflects a broader effort to prevent the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea amidst concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict might expand into a larger regional crisis.

Since November, when the Houthis intensified their maritime campaign, the U.S. and Britain have responded with airstrikes against Houthi missile sites and depots in Yemen. The Houthi rebels have justified their maritime attacks as retaliation against Israel’s actions in Gaza, targeting various ships, including those with no clear connection to Israel. Following these developments, the Houthis have also threatened to target American and British vessels. Recently, two American-flagged ships, transporting cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments, were attacked by the Houthis, prompting defensive action by an accompanying U.S. Navy warship.