The U.S. Navy shot down anti-ship ballistic missiles on Tuesday launched by incoming Iran backed Houthi missiles in the Red Sea, signaling a significant escalation in the region, a senior defense official told Fox News.
The Navy successfully intercepted three ballistic missiles supplied to Yemen’s Houthis by Iran, marking the first instance of the Navy using an anti-ship ballistic missile to neutralize an incoming threat.
In the operation, naval assets, including the USS Laboon and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, effectively shot down a total of 12 one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack missiles launched by the Houthis over a 12-hour period, as reported by U.S. Central Command. This successful interception showcases the military’s ability to counter threats and protect against attacks in the region. Iran backed Houthi
Since October 17, almost 100 drones operated by the Houthis have been successfully shot down. The group’s aggressive activities have targeted over 21 international vessels in the region, leading to significant disruptions in global shipping. This ongoing situation underscores the persistent challenges posed by the Houthis and the importance of countering their drone operations to maintain maritime security.
The Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) said Tuesday that its container ship MSC United VIII was attacked around 12:25 UTC while en route from King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia to Karachi, Pakistan.
“Currently, all crew are safe with no reported injuries and a thorough assessment of the vessel is being introduced,” MSC said in a statement. “Our first priority remains protecting the lives and safety of our seafarers, and until their safety can be ensured MSC will continue to reroute vessels booked for Suez transit via the Cape of Good Hope.”