Pentagon Says US Warship and Commercial Vessels Came Under Attack in Red Sea

The Houthis took credit for attacks on Israeli-linked commercial vessels but not the US warship

The Pentagon said Sunday that a US Navy destroyer and several commercial vessels came under attack in the Red Sea, The Associated Press reported.

“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available,” a Pentagon official told AP.

Later on Sunday, US Central Command said the USS Carney responded to attacks on three commercial vessels, the Unity Explorer, the Number Nine, and the Sophie II. CENTCOM said the Carney shot down a total of three drones, including two that were heading in its direction.

CENTCOM blamed the attacks on Yemen’s Houthis, who announced that they attacked the Unity Explorer and Number Nine but did not mention firing on the USS Carney. CENTCOM also claimed the attacks were “fully enabled by Iran,” although there’s no evidence of Iranian involvement.

“The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” CENTCOM said.

The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, have been targeting Israeli-linked ships and firing missiles and drones at Israel in response to the Israeli onslaught in Gaza, which resumed in full force on Friday. The Houthis also recently downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone that was flying near Yemen.

The US has backed a Saudi-led coalition in a war against the Houthis since 2015, but it’s rare the US and the Houthis exchange direct fire. Back in 2016, the US bombed Houthi radar sites in response to attacks on a US warship in the region. At the time, the Houthis denied targeting the US vessel.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.