Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Drone and Missile Attack on US Warships in Bab al-Mandab Strait

In a significant escalation in the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a coordinated assault on two US warships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, targeting them with drones and missiles. Fortunately, the US destroyers successfully intercepted and neutralized the attacks without sustaining any damage or injuries, according to the Pentagon.

Background: Rising Regional Tensions

The Houthi attacks are part of a broader series of actions across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which began intensifying in November 2023. These actions are reportedly linked to the unrest caused by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Since Israel’s response to a Hamas attack on October 7, violence has surged across the region, with groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen launching similar attacks in what they claim is solidarity with Palestinians.

Details of the Attack

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder reported that the attack involved:

• Eight uncrewed aerial systems (drones) targeting the destroyers.
• Five anti-ship ballistic missiles and three anti-ship cruise missiles directed at the ships.

All were intercepted and destroyed by US forces, with no reported harm to the vessels or their personnel. Additionally, Ryder refuted Houthi claims that an aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was also attacked, affirming that the carrier was not involved in this incident.

US Countermeasures and Recent Air Strikes

To address the Houthi threat, the United States has taken significant measures to protect the region’s critical shipping lanes. Over the past weekend, US forces carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi weapons storage sites. These facilities reportedly housed sophisticated weaponry used in attacks on military and civilian vessels in international waters.

The US military has also ramped up defensive support in the region, deploying ships to shield maritime traffic and conducting airstrikes aimed at disabling Houthi offensive capabilities.

Broader Impact and Regional Security Concerns

The Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical route for global oil and trade, remains under threat from Houthi attacks, which present a serious international security challenge. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have conducted frequent attacks on various targets, from US vessels to oil tankers, further endangering stability in the Middle East. In parallel, the United States has also recently targeted Iran-backed groups in Syria after multiple rocket and drone attacks on American troops in the region.

Conclusion

As US forces work to prevent further Houthi strikes, tensions remain high, impacting security not only in Yemen but across the region. The US is expected to maintain its defensive posture in these waters, seeking to safeguard international trade and deter further escalations by the Houthi rebels and their allies. With such incidents on the rise, the situation in the Middle East is a developing story, one that underscores the interconnected nature of conflicts across national borders and the volatility of international waterways

Reference from :- https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/yemens-houthis-attack-us-warships-with-drones-missiles-pentagon-7006088