US Warship Thwarts Drone Attacks in Red Sea The USS Carney, a United States warship, engaged and destroyed three drones after multiple commercial vessels were attacked in the Red Sea. These vessels, linked to 14 nations including the UK, reportedly faced threats from areas in Yemen under the control of Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The Attack on Commercial Shipping According to the US Central Command (Centcom), two of the targeted ships were hit by missiles, although no casualties were reported. The incident highlighted the increasing threats to international shipping in the region, particularly from the Houthi rebels who have a history of targeting maritime assets.
Houthi Claims and Israeli Denial In a statement, a Houthi spokesman claimed responsibility for attacking two Israeli ships. However, the Israeli military refuted these claims, stating that the vessels had no connection to Israel. This incident underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, involving multiple state and non-state actors.
Escalating Regional Tensions The Houthis, who have controlled parts of Yemen since their coup in 2014, have escalated their maritime attacks, particularly targeting vessels linked to Israel. This is seen as a response to Israel’s conflict with Iranian-backed Hamas in Gaza, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region.
US Response and International Implications Centcom emphasized that these drone attacks posed a serious threat to international commerce and maritime security. The United States, in coordination with international allies, is considering appropriate responses. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of securing maritime routes against threats from non-state actors like the Houthis, who are supported by Iran.
US and Houthi Confrontations Earlier in the week, the US reported its warship captured armed men who had seized an Israeli-linked tanker off Yemen’s coast, followed by missile attacks from Houthi-controlled territories. The Houthis, aligning themselves with Iran’s “axis of resistance,” continue to challenge US and allied interests in the region.