WASHINGTON: The US military announced on Sunday that its forces successfully intercepted a cruise missile launched at a US destroyer in the Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. This incident marks the first known attack against a US destroyer amidst a series of missile and drone strikes or attempted strikes by the Houthi, who target what they perceive as Israeli-linked shipping along the vital Red Sea trade route.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that on January 14, around 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from areas of Houthi in Yemen toward the USS Laboon (DDG 58), operating in the Southern Red Sea. The missile was successfully intercepted near the coast of Hodeida by US fighter aircraft, with no injuries or damage reported.
The Houthi rebels asserted that their actions were in solidarity with Gaza, where Hamas militants have been engaged in conflict with Israel for over three months. Despite this claim, the United States denied reports from Yemen about new attacks on Sunday, and a US defence official, speaking anonymously, refuted Houthi media claims of US and British strikes in rebel-held Hodeida.
US and British forces confirmed on Friday that they targeted numerous sites across Yemen, heightening concerns that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Hamas could potentially engulf the region. Late on Friday, the US military conducted a “follow-on” strike against a Houthi radar site, following an initial barrage against military facilities.
Approximately 12 percent of global trade typically transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea entrance connecting southwest Yemen and Djibouti. However, rebel attacks have disrupted trade flows in the region. In response, Washington introduced a maritime security initiative named Operation Prosperity Guardian last month, aiming to safeguard maritime traffic in the area. Despite warnings, the Houthi have persisted in their attacks.
