What to Know:
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that multiple missiles and explosive drones launched towards its forces in the Red Sea by Houthi forces were successfully intercepted.
The Incident:
According to CENTCOM, Houthi forces launched “one anti-ship ballistic missile and three one-way attack unmanned aerial systems” towards the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney in the Red Sea between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Sanaa time), which were all intercepted.
Hours later, unspecified American forces “destroyed three anti-ship missiles and three unmanned surface vessels (USV) in self-defense.”
No injuries or damage was reported.
“CENTCOM forces identified the missiles, UAVs, and USVs and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the U.S. Navy ships in the region,” the statement added.
Earlier, the Houthis released a statement saying that “the naval forces, missile forces, and air forces of the Yemeni armed forces, with the help of Allah Almighty, carried out a qualitative military operation in which they targeted two American warship destroyers in the Red Sea. The operation was carried out with a number of naval missiles and drones.”
Like with most statements following an attack in the region, the Houthis added that “the operations of the Yemeni armed forces will not stop until the aggression stops and the siege imposed on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.”
Notes:
Houthi forces have been utilizing explosive USVs more frequently in recent weeks. The first instance of a USV being used by the Houthis was on February 1, which was destroyed by U.S. forces as it was “heading toward the international shipping lane and determined it presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the U.S. Navy ships in the region,” according to CENTCOM. USV attacks have also become an increasingly common tactic by Ukrainian forces targeting Russian naval assets around Crimea, which has resulted in the loss of three vessels so far.
