A US Navy warship operating near Yemen intercepted multiple projectiles on Thursday, fired by Iran-supported Houthi rebels engaged in Yemen’s civil war.
Warship Shoots Down Missiles, Drones Off Yemen Coast
Officials said 2-3 missiles were shot down. The Pentagon confirmed the destroyer USS Carney intercepted Houthi land attack missiles and drones in the Red Sea off Yemen’s coast. No US or civilian casualties resulted from the attack.
Officials said the projectiles were likely headed toward Israel before being shot down.
Ongoing Threats to US Bases Amid Middle East Tensions
The Houthi missile interception comes amid recent attacks targeting US bases in Syria and Iraq as tensions mount between Israel and Hamas. Drones struck the al-Tanf garrison in Syria this week, causing minor injuries.
Early warning systems also detected a possible threat to the al-Asad base in Iraq. The US is assessing if these incidents relate to anger over US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.
Deterring Wider Regional Conflict
According to the Pentagon, the priority now is preventing a broader regional war from erupting. To that end, Secretary Austin has engaged leaders from the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, underscoring US support for Israel while urging de-escalation.
Austin warned any nations or groups seeking to exploit the Israel-Hamas tensions that they should “think twice” about the US resolve to defend allies and interests in the region. As threats persist, the Navy’s successful missile intercept off Yemen illustrates US readiness.
The Houthi missile attack intercepted by the US Navy highlights the complex web of proxy conflicts playing out across the Middle East. While the US maintains support for Israel, its involvement angers Iran-aligned groups like the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
As the region remains a tinderbox, provocations by militants backed by Tehran will likely continue, posing risks to US ships, bases, and partners.
Though this incident caused no damage, it underscores the need for vigilant defense against asymmetric threats from groups seeking to expand the conflict.
