Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Anti-Ship Missile at U.S. Warship Amidst Escalating Tensions
Yemen’s Houthi rebels executed a significant move on Sunday by firing an anti-ship cruise missile at a United States destroyer in the Red Sea, prompting a swift response as a U.S. fighter jet successfully intercepted and neutralized the threat. The attack comes in the wake of American-led strikes against the Houthi rebels, which commenced on Friday, following weeks of intensified assaults on shipping routes in the Red Sea.
This marked incident signifies the first acknowledged targeting of a U.S. vessel by the Houthi rebels since the initiation of the military actions led by the United States and its allies. The ongoing conflict has gained global attention, particularly amidst the backdrop of Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The strategically crucial Red Sea corridor, serving as a vital link for Asian and Middle Eastern energy and cargo shipments en route to the Suez Canal and subsequently to Europe, has been a focal point of Houthi attacks. These assaults raise concerns about the potential escalation of the regional conflict.
The Houthi rebels, a Shiite group with ties to Iran, have not immediately claimed responsibility for the missile launch. The targeted U.S. vessel, the USS Laboon, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was operating in the southern part of the Red Sea when the incident occurred.
According to a statement from the U.S. military’s Central Command, the missile was fired from the vicinity of Hodeida, a Red Sea port city long held by the Houthi rebels. Fortunately, no injuries or damages were reported in connection with the attack.
The first day of the U.S.-led strikes on Friday witnessed military actions at 28 locations, with over 60 targets hit by cruise missiles and bombs launched from various platforms, including fighter jets, warships, and a submarine. The intensity continued on Saturday with a strike targeting a Houthi radar site, as tensions in the region remain on a knife’s edge.