On Thursday, the US Navy successfully intercepted a significant barrage launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group at three of its warships in the Red Sea. This attack marked one of the largest assaults on US warships in the Middle East, according to US defense officials.
The targeted warships included two guided-missile destroyers, the USS Spruance and USS Stockdale, as well as a littoral combat ship, the USS Indianapolis. The incident occurred as the vessels were traveling north through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial waterway connecting the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea.
Houthi army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yehya Saree claimed that the attack was aimed at vessels en route to support Israel. The assault involved a total of 23 projectiles, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, launched by the Houthi Navy, Air Force, and Missile Force. While Saree asserted that the operation resulted in direct hits, this claim was refuted by US officials.
Notably, this is not the first instance of Houthi attacks on US warships. In December, the USS Carney successfully intercepted 14 Houthi drones targeting the guided-missile destroyer. The USS Carney's engagements were highlighted by the US Navy chief, who noted that the ship had encountered more enemy threats than any other vessel since World War II.
In a separate incident in February, a Houthi cruise missile came within one mile of the destroyer USS Gravely, prompting the use of its defensive Gatling gun, known as the Navy's last line of defense.
These recent events underscore the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges faced by US naval forces operating in the Middle East. The US Navy's swift response to the Houthi barrage demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding its assets and personnel in the face of hostile threats.
