US Navy Repels Houthi Attack on Commercial Vessels in Gulf of Aden
The United States military successfully defended three US-flagged commercial vessels from a Houthi attack in the Gulf of Aden, Al Jazeera reports, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM) and other media.
Two US Navy destroyers intercepted a barrage of cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen while escorting the ships.
According to CENTCOM, the attack, which occurred while the vessels were en route to Djibouti, involved “uncrewed aerial systems” and at least one anti-ship cruise missile. The USS Stockdale and the USS O’Kane responded immediately, engaging the incoming threats. The Associated Press , citing an unnamed US official, reported that a US Navy helicopter and French Air Force aircraft also participated in repelling the attack.
The combined effort successfully neutralized four drones and a missile, according to the AP, with no injuries or damage reported to the vessels, civilians, or US naval personnel.
CENTCOM emphasized the ongoing threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis, stating that the incident “reflects the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect US personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.” The Houthis have justified their attacks as pressure tactics aimed at ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, citing the US’s support for Israel.
The US, however, views the Houthi actions as a threat to freedom of navigation and international trade. Despite numerous US military strikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, the attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have persisted.
The frequency of these attacks is significant. Earlier this year, the US military reported 27 Houthi attacks between November 19, 2023, and January 11, 2024. The Houthis also claimed responsibility for a drone attack in central Israel on Monday.
