U.S. Says Its Destroyer Shot Down 14 Drones in Red Sea Launched from Yemen

Defense News - On Saturday morning, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the successful interception of a swarm of Houthi drones over the Red Sea by the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer. In a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CENTCOM revealed that the USS Carney engaged and neutralized 14 unmanned aerial systems launched in a coordinated drone wave from Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The tweet emphasized that the intercepted drones were identified as one-way attack drones and that the operation resulted in no injuries or damage.

While the announcement did not specify the intended target of the drone wave, tensions have escalated since November 9, with Iran-backed Houthi forces launching ballistic missiles and aerial drones towards Israel. Notably, all these attempts have either been successfully intercepted by Israeli or American air defense systems or have fallen short of reaching their intended destinations.

Beyond the immediate conflict, Houthi rebels stationed along the Yemeni coast pose a threat to shipping in the Red Sea, particularly as they navigate the Bab el-Mandeb Straits. This narrow maritime passage, situated between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa, serves as a crucial route for the majority of the world oil traveling from the Indian Ocean towards the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.

Of concern is the recent declaration by the Houthis that they would target any ship bound for Israel in the Red Sea, irrespective of ownership. This threat has materialized in the form of attacks and harassment directed at various vessels, including the Galaxy Leader. Presently, the cargo ship, along with its crew of 25, is being held hostage in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.