In a significant development on Friday, a US Navy warship successfully intercepted a missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The rebels, who have been responsible for a series of attacks on international shipping over the past two months, launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) in the Gulf of Aden.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident in a statement on social media, stating, "Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Carney. The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney. There were no injuries or damage reported."
This latest attack comes amid ongoing efforts by US and British forces to curb Houthi capabilities in targeting vessels transiting a key maritime trade route. Both nations have executed joint strikes with the aim of reducing Houthi threats to international shipping. Washington has also undertaken unilateral air raids as part of its strategy to counter Houthi attacks.
The Houthis, with reported Iranian backing, have intensified their assaults on Red Sea shipping since November. They claim to be targeting Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, who have been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.