Join our crew and become one of the 110,042 members that receive our newsletter.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) transits the Mediterranean Sea Oct. 23, 2018. U.S. Navy Photo

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) transits the Mediterranean Sea Oct. 23, 2018. U.S. Navy Photo

US Navy Destroyer Intercepts Missiles and Drones Off Yemen

Reuters
Total Views: 21667
October 19, 2023
Reuters

By Idrees Ali and Costas Pitas

Oct 19 (Reuters) – A U.S. Navy warship on Thursday intercepted three cruise missiles and several drones launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement from Yemen potentially toward Israel, the Pentagon said.

Washington is on heightened alert for activity by Iran-backed groups as regional tensions soar during the Israel-Hamas war.

The Pentagon said the destroyer USS Carney was operating in the northern Red Sea on Thursday when it brought down the projectiles and there were no injuries.

“We cannot say for certain what these missiles and drones were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen heading north along the Red Sea, potentially towards targets in Israel,” Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters.

A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it did not appear that the warship was the target.

The U.S. has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in the past week, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 Marines.

While the White House says there are “no plans or intentions” for their use, it means U.S. military assets would be in place to protect U.S. national security interests if needed. The U.S. also has an array of bases in the Middle East with troops, fighter aircraft and warships.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Doina Chiacu, Cynthia Osterman and Daniel Wallis)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023.

Tags:

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,042 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.