Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted two US Navy destroyers in the Bab al-Mandab Strait using drones and missiles on Monday, according to the Pentagon. The US warships successfully intercepted at least eight one-way drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, resulting in no damage or injuries to personnel.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed the attacks, emphasizing that Houthi claims of targeting the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier were inaccurate. The attacks are part of a broader escalation of violence across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, a regional fallout from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have cited solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza as justification for their actions.
The US military has increased its regional presence to protect key shipping routes from Houthi attacks. Over the weekend, US forces launched multiple airstrikes targeting Houthi weapons storage sites, aiming to curb the group’s ability to launch further strikes. This move follows additional US actions in Syria, where airstrikes were conducted in response to recent drone and rocket attacks against American forces in the area.
