US Navy Destroyer USS Carney Thwarts Houthi Missile Attacks on Commercial Ships in Red Sea
The USS Carney, a US Navy destroyer, responded to ballistic missile attacks from Houthi-controlled Yemen in the Red Sea, intercepting three drones during the incident. (Photo: cnn.com)
USS Carney Responds to Houthi Missile Attacks: US Navy Destroyer Intercepts Drones in Red Sea Defense Operation
According to source, three commercial ships in the Red Sea faced ballistic missile attacks from Houthi-controlled Yemen, triggering a self-defense response from a US Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, which successfully intercepted three drones during the incident. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting a connection to Iran. This escalation in maritime attacks is linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the US Central Command expressing concern over the direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. The affected commercial ships and crews represent 14 countries.
The US Navy destroyer USS Carney detected a ballistic missile targeting the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer, resulting in a missile impact near the ship. The destroyer then shot down a drone launched from Yemen, although it remains unclear if the US Navy destroyer was the intended target.
Another missile hit the Unity Explorer, and the US Navy destroyer intercepted an incoming drone while responding to the distress call. Two other ships, the Panamanian-flagged bulk carriers Number 9 and Sophie II, were also struck but reported varying degrees of damage. The US attributes these attacks to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, with suspicions of Iranian involvement.
US Navy Destroyer Faces Rising Tensions in Red Sea: Central Command Links Houthi Attacks to Iran, Sparks Concerns over Global Shipping Safety
The US Central Command stated that it believes these attacks, orchestrated by the Houthis, are facilitated by Iran. The US Navy destroyer, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has been actively involved in intercepting rockets launched by the Houthis toward Israel. While the US holds Iran accountable, it is actively considering appropriate responses. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attacks, emphasizing the prevention of Israeli ships navigating the Red Sea until Israeli aggression against Gaza ceases.
The maritime conflict in the Red Sea raises global shipping concerns, with Houthi attacks targeting vessels and the US Navy destroyer intervening in self-defense. Previous incidents include the Houthi seizure of a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in November. As tensions persist, the risk of seaborne attacks remains, with the Houthis directly targeting commercial ships and escalating the maritime conflict in the region.
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