Ballistic missiles were launched from Yemen towards the Navy destroyer Mason on Sunday as the warship responded to a distress call from an Israeli-linked commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden, according to U.S. Central Command. This incident is part of a series where destroyers in the Middle East have encountered drones and missiles believed to be fired by Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen. It occurs amid heightened tensions, with U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria facing multiple attacks in recent weeks during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Navy destroyer Mason, along with other allied ships and aircraft from CENTCOM’s counter-piracy task force, responded to a distress call from the commercial vessel Central Park on Sunday. The ship had reported an attack by an “unknown entity.” Upon arrival, coalition forces demanded the release of the vessel. In response, five armed individuals disembarked from the ship and attempted to escape using a small boat. The Mason pursued the attackers, leading to their eventual surrender.
After the Mason and allied forces completed their assistance to the commercial vessel, CENTCOM reported that “two ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the general location” of the destroyer. Ballistic missiles were launched
The missiles landed in the Gulf of Aden approximately 10 nautical miles from the ships, as stated by CENTCOM. Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder explained on Monday that those who boarded the Central Park attempted to take control of the ship and access the crew cabin. In response, the crew of the commercial vessel secured themselves in a safe area. The armed individuals, identified as Somali, fled the scene in a small boat after the arrival of the Mason. However, the destroyer dispatched a visit, board, search, and seizure team to apprehend the individuals, who are currently detained aboard the Mason.