More than a dozen drones launched from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen were shot down by a US destroyer in the Red Sea on Saturday, as the repercussions of the Israel-Hamas conflict spread to international shipping lanes.
On X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the USS CARNEY, a well-known Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, effectively neutralized a total of 14 unmanned aerial systems. These drones were launched in a coordinated wave from areas in Yemen under Houthi control. The successful engagement took place in the Red Sea.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have recently carried out a number of drone and missile strikes on vessels near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait at the southern tip of the Red Sea. They claim that these attacks are a way to exert pressure on Israel due to its ongoing conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthi rebels have issued a warning, stating that they will target ships bound for Israeli ports if humanitarian aid is not permitted to reach the Gaza Strip, which is currently under siege. Major shipping companies have announced the suspension of passage through the Bab al-Mandab strait, a crucial route for 40 percent of the world’s international trade.
The statement mentioned that during the attack on Saturday, the aerial vehicles were identified as one-way attack drones. Fortunately, they were successfully shot down without causing any harm to the ships in the area or resulting in any reported injuries. The operation occurred while Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin was en route to the Middle East for discussions with Bahrain regarding the United States’ efforts to form multilateral coalitions to address threats to shipping and the global economy at sea, according to a statement from the Department of Defense.
In Israel, Austin would emphasize America’s support for its ally while also addressing the measures Israel is implementing to minimize civilian casualties. According to a senior defense official, he is scheduled to meet with Israeli military leaders to discuss the future course of action once high-intensity ground operations and airstrikes come to an end in the conflict. Austin is also set to visit Qatar, an important mediator in negotiations with Hamas.
In a tragic event on October 7, Hamas infiltrated the border into Israel, resulting in the loss of approximately 1,140 lives. Approximately 240 individuals were taken hostage during the assaults. Israel launched a large-scale military offensive with the aim of addressing the situation in the Hamas-run territory. According to the health ministry, the offensive has unfortunately resulted in a significant loss of life.
