According to US officials, a US Navy warship intercepted missiles and drones launched from Yemen by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. A Pentagon spokesman stated that these missiles had
been launched with the potential of targeting locations in Israel.
The USS Carney, a guided-missile destroyer, was operating in the northern Red Sea during the incident.
The Pentagon also reported that US troops in Iraq and Syria had experienced multiple attacks in recent days.
The United States is closely monitoring activities by Iran-backed groups as Israel continues its operations against Hamas targets in Gaza.
Pentagon's Brigadier General Patrick Ryder confirmed that three land attack cruise missiles and several drones fired from Yemen were successfully intercepted. There were no reported injuries from the incident, and it appears that the warship was not the intended target.
While it is not possible to confirm the exact targets of these missiles and drones, they were launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea, with the potential of being directed towards locations in Israel, according to a US official.
Brigadier General Ryder mentioned that more information about the situation is still being analyzed, and the threat may still be ongoing.
"Our defensive response was in line with how we would have reacted to any similar threat in the region, taking action to protect our personnel and partners' interests," he stated.
In Iraq, drones and rockets have been launched at several bases housing US and other international forces, with one of the attacks resulting in injuries to a small number of troops.
Iraqi militant groups had previously cautioned the US against supporting Israeli actions against Hamas in Gaza.
Recent incidents include a drone attack on US forces in Syria, causing minor injuries, and another drone being successfully brought down.
Brigadier General Ryder asserted that while he couldn't predict potential responses to these attacks, the US would take all necessary measures to defend US and coalition forces against any threats.
The Middle East hosts various US bases, along with warships, troops, and fighter aircraft. In the past week, the US has deployed two aircraft carriers, approximately 2,000 marines, and support ships to the region. The White House has clarified that there are currently no plans or intentions for their use. However, these military assets are positioned to safeguard national security interests if the need arises. Photo by U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Apprentice Charles A. Ordoqui, Wikimedia commons.