Red Sea erupts in conflict: Houthis strike with drones and missiles, US warship responds

In a sensational development, the Pentagon has confirmed awareness of attacks on an American warship, the USS Carney, and commercial vessels in the turbulent waters of the Red Sea. The conflict intensifies as Yemen’s Houthi group claims responsibility for drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels, Unity Explorer and Number Nine, escalating tensions in the region.

The Houthi movement, known for its military prowess, stated its navy executed the attacks using an armed drone and a naval missile. A Houthi military spokesperson declared these actions as a response to the demands of the Yemeni people and Islamic nations to stand with the Palestinian cause. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the situation.

This alarming incident is part of a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters, with a recent Houthi seizure of an Israeli-linked cargo ship last month. The group, closely allied with Iran and controlling much of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, has previously launched ballistic missiles and armed drones at Israeli targets and vowed to continue targeting Israeli vessels.

According to ABC News, the USS Carney has been engaged in multiple incidents involving Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, with the US ship reportedly shooting down drones aimed at it.

British maritime security company Ambrey reported that a bulk carrier and a container ship were hit by at least two drones in the Red Sea, near the northern Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency also confirmed a drone attack in the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.

Adding to the high seas drama, last week, a U.S. Navy warship responded to a distress call from an Israeli-managed commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden, seized by armed individuals.