WASHINGTON – Yemen’s Houthi rebels lobbed ballistic missiles and drones at three commercial cargo vessels in the southern Red Sea on Sunday, leading a US Navy warship to intervene.
Three cargo vessels reported being hit by a missile fired from Yemen in four separate attacks which spanned more than seven-hour period on Sunday. No personnel were reported hurt.
The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, intercepted two drones and tracked the flight of at least one of the missiles fired by the Houthis, according to two US defense officials who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity.
The maritime attacks marked a significant escalation and a new test for the US Navy as the Pentagon has struggled to deter Iran-backed factions from taking advantage of Israel’s war in Gaza.