Washington: Thursday, a U.S. Navy warship intercepted multiple drones and three missiles originating from Yemen and en route north, according to the Pentagon.
On Thursday, Pentagon press secretary Brigadier Pat Ryder informed reporters that the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer stationed in the northern Red Sea, successfully intercepted several drones and three land attack cruise missiles launched by Houthi forces in Yemen. It was fired down over the water, according to him.
Ryder stated in a Pentagon briefing, “We cannot say with certainty what these missiles and drones were aimed at, but they were launched from Yemen and are travelling north along the Red Sea, potentially towards targets in Israel.” According to a U.S. official, it is unlikely that the missiles were directed at the vessel. This official disclosed information regarding unannounced military operations while requesting anonymity.
Ryder stated that the missiles were shot down because their flight profiles “posed a potential threat” and that the United States is “willing to do whatever is necessary to protect our partners and our interests in this vital region.” He stated that the U.S. is still determining the nature of the target.
He said no U.S. Navy forces or civilians on the ground were injured.
The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have conveyed their solidarity with the Palestinians and issued threats against Israel. Supporters adorned the streets of Sanaa, Yemen, currently under the control of the Houthi rebels embroiled in a conflict with a coalition headed by Saudi Arabia, with Yemeni and Palestinian flags last week. “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse of the Jews; victory to Islam” has been the revolutionaries’ enduring slogan.
The leader of the rebel organization, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, cautioned the United States last week against interfering in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, threatening retaliatory drone and missile strikes by his Navy forces.
Two Houthi officials declined to remark on the incident when contacted on Thursday. One responded that he was not informed of the incident, and the other stated that he lacked the authority to comment on it.
SOURCE – (AP)
