The United States military recently intercepted a barrage of missiles and drones fired by the Yemen-based Houthi group while escorting three US-owned commercial vessels through the Gulf of Aden. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that two Navy destroyers, USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane, successfully defended against the attack, preventing any harm to the vessels, civilians, or US naval personnel.
Despite the heavy missile and drone fire, the operation resulted in no injuries or damage, with CENTCOM highlighting the defensive efforts of the US forces.
The Houthis, a group backed by Iran, have been engaging in a series of attacks on military and commercial vessels in the region, including targeting ships transiting through the Red Sea. These actions are part of the group’s broader strategy to exert pressure on the US, which supports Israel in its ongoing conflict with Gaza.
The Houthis assert that their attacks aim to challenge US support for Israel, while the US military views these hostilities as a threat to regional stability and the freedom of international trade.
The incident occurred as the three US-flagged vessels were heading toward Djibouti. The attack involved uncrewed aerial systems (drones) and a single anti-ship cruise missile.
US Navy Thwarts Houthi Missile and Drone Attack on Commercial Ships in Gulf of Aden
In response to the attack, the US Navy ships and additional support from a US Navy helicopter and French Air Force aircraft successfully neutralized the threat, downing four drones and the missile. This coordinated defense underscores the international effort to secure vital shipping routes from hostile actions in the region.
The Houthi group’s ongoing attacks are part of a broader pattern of aggression that has persisted for months. Despite US military strikes on Yemen and other efforts to curb these threats, the Houthis have continued targeting both military and commercial vessels.
From late 2023 into 2024, the Houthis launched multiple attacks, including a significant series of 27 attacks within two months. These persistent hostilities have made the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden areas increasingly volatile, affecting international shipping and regional security.
In addition to the recent maritime assault, the Houthis also claimed responsibility for a drone strike in central Israel on December 9, further intensifying their activities.
The US military has remained firm in its commitment to protecting US personnel, regional partners, and international shipping lanes against such threats, emphasizing the strategic importance of securing global trade routes and countering the destabilizing actions of the Iran-backed Houthi group in the region.
