The Houthi group of Yemen attacked three vessels with drones and missiles in the international waters of the southern Red Sea, as reported by the U.S. military on Sunday. The group claimed to have attacked two Israeli vessels.
U.S. Central Command reports that the destroyer USS Carney assisted in the aftermath of missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory in response to distress signals.
According to the Houthi movement in Yemen, the Houthi movement used a naval missile and an armed drone to attack two Israeli ships, Unity Explorer and Number 9. The group’s military spokesperson stated that they targeted the two ships because they ignored warnings.
The spokesperson added that the attacks were in response to Yemeni demands and Islamic calls to support the Palestinians.
The US military said the Carney shot down three drones while assisting commercial vessels. It was unclear whether the warship was a target. The attacks, it stated, posed a risk to international commerce.
“We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran,” the statement continued.
A defense spokesman for the Israeli military, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated that the two vessels had no connection with Israel.
Hagari informed reporters in Tel Aviv, “One ship was significantly damaged, is in distress, and apparently is in danger of sinking, and another ship was lightly damaged,”
In November, the Houthis, who control the majority of the Red Sea coastline of Yemen, seized a cargo ship with ties to Israel.