The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a U.S. destroyer successfully intercepted several drones while providing assistance to commercial ships in the Red Sea that were under attack, presumably originating from Yemen.
CENTCOM detailed in a statement that “four attacks occurred today on three separately sailing commercial ships in international waters south of the Red Sea.” The statement added, “The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney responded to distress calls from the ships and downed three drones headed towards the destroyer during daylight.”
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) had previously disclosed that a U.S. warship and several commercial vessels were targeted in attacks in the Red Sea on Sunday. The Pentagon stated, “We are aware of reports concerning attacks on the U.S. destroyer USS Carney and commercial ships in the Red Sea, and will provide information as it becomes available.” However, the Pentagon did not specify the origin of the attacks.
These American announcements indicate an escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Middle East, linked to heightened Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip. Earlier, the British military reported a drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea but did not provide further details.
The Red Sea has witnessed a series of attacks by the Houthis on ships, in addition to drone and missile launches targeting Israel, which is engaged in a conflict in the Gaza Strip.
