U.S Destroyers Intercept Ballistic Missiles in Red Sea Fire From Yeman

Defense News ,U.S :- In a swift and decisive response to an attack on a container ship, two American destroyers successfully intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Yemen over the weekend, as confirmed by the US military. The incident unfolded when the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned container ship, sought assistance after being hit by a missile while navigating the Red Sea.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the missiles were launched from territory controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This marks the 23rd illegal attack on international shipping by the Houthis since November 19, CENTCOM revealed in a social media post.

The Houthi rebels, who have consistently targeted vessels in the crucial Red Sea shipping lane, claim their actions are in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas. In response to the escalating threat to global trade, the US set up a multinational naval task force earlier this month to safeguard Red Sea shipping routes.

The latest cycle of the Israel-Hamas conflict was triggered by a cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7, resulting in significant casualties. In the aftermath, the US provided military aid to Israel, which launched an extensive campaign in Gaza. The conflict has led to widespread unrest in the Middle East and has motivated armed groups across the region opposed to Israel.

Notably, US forces in Iraq and Syria have faced repeated drone and rocket attacks, attributed to Iran-backed armed groups by Washington. The broader regional implications of these events underscore the complex and interconnected challenges facing the United States and its allies in the Middle East.