A U.S. official verified that a Houthi missile and drone attack against U.S. Navy vessels in the Red Sea was unsuccessful, following a series of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, but none of their projectiles struck American ships. U.S. military responses targeted Houthi assets, signaling a strong stance against regional threats.
A U.S. official confirmed that a recent Houthi missile and drone attack on U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea was unsuccessful, as none of the projectiles struck their targets. This attack was perceived as retaliation against the U.S. airstrikes initiated during the weekend, aimed at the Iranian-aligned group in Yemen.
The Houthis claimed they launched 18 ballistic missiles and drones targeting the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group. However, the U.S. official clarified that only 11 drones and one ballistic missile were actually fired, all of which failed to hit American vessels. Specifically, ten drones were intercepted by Air Force aircraft and one by the Navy, while the ballistic missile landed far from its intended target.
The attack from the Houthis follows a series of U.S. aerial assaults described by President Trump as “decisive and powerful military action” against the Houthis, who have been involved in conflicts affecting Western shipping and have targeted Israel amidst the ongoing tensions related to Hamas.
President Trump expressed that the Houthis have waged a continuous campaign of violence against American interests, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to use overwhelming force to meet its objectives. Could the attacks potentially shift geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning relations with Iran? The U.S. military efforts focused on neutralizing Houthi military assets to assert dominance in the region, targeting missiles, radars, and defense systems.
Reports suggest that the airstrikes led to casualties, with Yemen’s Health Ministry stating that 53 individuals were killed and 98 others injured. Furthermore, national security adviser Mike Waltz articulated that these strikes represented a significant response that also aimed at eliminating key Houthi leadership. The Houthis have declared intentions to obstruct Israeli shipping until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, signaling ongoing tensions in the area.
In summary, the failed Houthi missile and drone strikes against U.S. Navy ships underscore the escalation of hostilities following recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. Despite threats from the Houthis, U.S. military responses have effectively neutralized their efforts while emphasizing a broader strategy to maintain security and accountability in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com