The Pentagon reported a concerning incident on Sunday in the Red Sea, where an American warship, the USS Carney, along with multiple commercial vessels, faced an attack.
This event potentially signifies a significant escalation in a series of maritime assaults connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available,” stated the Pentagon.
The USS Carney belongs to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer category. Tehran Times reported this news today.
Earlier, the British military mentioned a suspected drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea but did not offer further details.
Though the Pentagon didn’t specify the source of the attack, Yemen’s Houthis have been initiating a string of assaults on Red Sea vessels. They have also been launching drones and missiles, targeting Israel during its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
According to a U.S. official, speaking anonymously about intelligence matters, the attack commenced around 10 a.m. in Sanaa, Yemen, lasting for approximately five hours.
Another anonymous U.S. official revealed that the Carney intercepted at least one drone during the attack.
There was no immediate response from the Houthis, but a Houthi military spokesperson hinted at an upcoming “important” statement.
As the Israel-Hamas conflict risks expanding into a regional crisis, global shipping has become a target.
Despite a temporary truce that briefly halted hostilities and saw exchanges of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel, the collapse of the truce led to renewed airstrikes by Israel and a ground offensive, heightening the possibility of further maritime attacks.
In November, the Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship associated with Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen and continue to hold the vessel near Hodeida port. Last week, missiles landed close to another U.S. warship after it assisted a vessel connected to Israel that had been briefly seized by gunmen.
Direct targeting of Americans by the Houthis had not occurred for some time, intensifying tensions in the escalating maritime conflict. In 2016, the U.S. retaliated against missiles fired at U.S. Navy ships by launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, destroying three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory.
