On Saturday, a US destroyer intercepted and destroyed 14 drones in the Red Sea, launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command. The USS CARNEY successfully engaged the drones, identified as one-way attack drones, without causing damage to nearby ships or injuries.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have been responsible for a series of drone and missile strikes, particularly targeting Israel since October 7. Israel, in response, initiated a military offensive against Hamas, resulting in casualties and heightened tensions in the region. a US destroyer intercepted
The threat to shipping has escalated, leading to precautionary measures by shipping companies, such as Maersk ordering ships to halt voyages in the Red Sea. The Mediterranean Shipping Company has rerouted its shipping services away from the Suez Canal in response to recent attacks, marking a significant escalation in the area’s security concerns.
“The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY… operating in the Red Sea, successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The aerial vehicles were “assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries,” according to the statement.
The operation took place as Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin headed to the Middle East, where he would meet with Bahrain on “US efforts to convene multilateral coalitions to respond to aggression at sea that threatens shipping and the global economy,” a Department of Defense statement said.
In Israel, Austin would highlight America’s steadfast support of its ally but also “discuss steps Israel is taking to mitigate civilian harm.”
He is to meet with Israeli military leaders on “the next steps in the conflict after an eventual cessation of high-intensity ground operations and airstrikes,” a senior defense official was quoted as saying.
Austin also is scheduled to visit Qatar, a key mediator in negotiations with Hamas.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting vessels near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait at the southern tip of the Red Sea, saying they are pressuring Israel over its devastating war with Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas militants poured over the border into Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Around 240 people were kidnapped in the attacks.
Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages, Israel launched a massive military offensive that the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry says has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children.
The Huthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip.
Four major shipping firms have said they are suspending passage through the Bab al-Mandab strait, through which 40 percent of the world’s international trade flows.