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U.S. Navy Destroys Houthi Missiles and Drones Targeting American Ships in Gulf of Aden

This image provided by the U.S. Navy shows the USS Carney in the Mediterranean Sea on Oct. 23, 2018. The USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, took out three missiles that had been fired from Yemen and were heading north, U.S. officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations not yet announced. (Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ryan U. Kledzik/U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa via AP)

Two U.S. Navy destroyers intercepted and destroyed incoming missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces targeting three U.S.-flagged commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.

The USS Stockade and USS O’Kane engaged and successfully neutralized “a range” of Houthi-launched weapons during operations on Saturday and Sunday, CENTCOM said. The commercial vessels sustained no damage, and no injuries were reported.

“This response reflects CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment to protecting U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping from attacks by Iran-backed Houthis,” the statement said.

The Houthis intensified their attacks on shipping in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 assault on southern Israel. Houthi leaders have vowed to continue targeting shipping lanes until Israel ends its campaign in Gaza and withdraws.

The U.S. and U.K. first launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in January 2024 after months of Houthi missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea. These airstrikes have continued, with the most recent occurring in November.

Over the weekend, the Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three attack drones, and an anti-ship cruise missile. All were intercepted and destroyed by the U.S. Navy, according to CENTCOM. The civilian vessels involved in the incident were not identified in CENTCOM’s press release, dated December 1.

This latest incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the U.S. Navy’s role in ensuring the security of international shipping in critical waterways.

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