U.S. Navy Destroyers Under Attack from Houthi Forces Off Yemen
On Monday, two U.S. Navy destroyers were attacked by Houthi drones and missiles off Yemen’s coast. The USS Stockdale and USS Spruance effectively countered the assault with missiles and retaliatory airstrikes targeted Houthi weapon facilities. The incident follows a pattern of increasing hostilities in the region, reflecting the ongoing threat of Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. forces and commercial shipping.
On Monday, two U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, were attacked by Houthi rebels utilizing missiles and drones while traversing the strait separating Yemen and Djibouti, as reported by the Pentagon. The assault involved at least eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, all of which were effectively countered, as stated by Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary. This incident marks yet another escalation in a series of aggressive actions perpetrated by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have previously targeted both commercial maritime vessels and U.S. military assets in the area. In response to the attacks on the destroyers, the U.S. Navy and Air Force conducted precise airstrikes aimed at multiple Houthi weapon storage facilities believed to house advanced conventional weaponry intended for targeting U.S. and international vessels in the Red Sea. A Navy official confirmed that the destroyers successfully deployed missiles to neutralize the incoming threats, with F-35C Lightning II fighter jets participating in the retaliatory measures. This military action followed a warning from U.S. Central Command, publicized via social media, which heralded operations against Houthi forces. The attacks on the Navy vessels occurred shortly after other hostile actions against American forces in Syria by Iranian-backed militias, signaling a concerning trend of regional volatility. A spokesperson for the Houthis claimed responsibility for alleged assaults on the USS Abraham Lincoln; however, Pentagon officials refuted these statements, asserting that the carrier was not present during the attack. Following a historical period of heightened risk that originated in October 2023, this incident represents the first engagement involving missiles and drones against U.S. naval forces in weeks.
The ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels in Yemen is deeply intertwined with regional tensions, particularly in relation to Iranian influence in the area. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted various maritime assets, a response fueled by their strategic goal to disrupt vital trade routes while asserting their military capabilities. The U.S. Navy’s heightened presence in the region aims to safeguard international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, which are crucial for global trade. This interaction between U.S. forces and Houthi militias underscores the overarching challenges posed by Iranian-backed proxies in the Middle East and the necessity for robust military preparedness in response to emerging threats.
In summary, the recent attack on the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance represents a significant escalation of hostilities in the region, reflecting the continued threat posed by Houthi forces. The U.S. military’s prompt and decisive response underscores its commitment to protecting naval assets and ensuring the security of international trade routes. Ongoing conflicts in the region, exacerbated by Iranian support for militant groups, necessitate sustained vigilance and countermeasures from U.S. forces to mitigate risks to maritime security.
Original Source: www.military.com
