US Warship Neutralizes Drones Following Attacks on Three Red Sea Cargo Vessels

The US warship confirmed that Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired multiple ballistic missiles aimed at three commercial ships in the Red Sea on Sunday.

Simultaneously, a US warship engaged in self-defense actions, shooting down three drones during the prolonged assault, further escalating tensions in the region.

The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for two of the attacks, marking a significant escalation in maritime assaults in the Middle East, with multiple vessels becoming targets in a single assault for the first time during the conflict. 

The US vowed to consider suitable responses following the attack, specifically pointing fingers at Iran amid longstanding tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Describing the attacks as a direct threat to global commerce and maritime safety, the US military’s Central Command emphasized the jeopardy posed to international crews representing various countries aboard the targeted ships.

The assault began around 9:15 am local time in Houthi-controlled Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, according to Central Command. 

US Warship’s Resilience Against Houthi Attacks

The USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, detected a ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas towards the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer. The missile struck near the vessel. Subsequently, the Carney intercepted an approaching drone, although its target remains unclear.

Minutes later, another missile hit the Unity Explorer, causing minor damage as reported by Central Command. 

Additionally, two other commercial ships, the Panamanian-flagged bulk carriers Number 9 and Sophie II, were struck by missiles. The Number 9 sustained damage, but no casualties were reported. The Sophie II encountered no significant damage.

During its mission to aid Sophie II, the Carney intercepted another drone without causing any damage. 

The US warship, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has avoided harm or injury in the past when it has intercepted rockets fired by the Houthis during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for two of Sunday’s attacks, stating that the missiles struck vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, without mentioning any involvement of a US warship.