An American warship and several commercial ships came under attack on Sunday in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon.
“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available,” in a statement released by the US Department of Defense. The military ship is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that can provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, including guided missile strikes.
The Yemen’s Houthi rebels later claimed attacks on two ships they described as being linked to Israel, Unity Explorer and Number Nine, with a drone and missile but did not acknowledge targeting a U.S. Navy vessel.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters told the Associated Press that the attack began about 10 a.m. in Sanaa, Yemen, and had gone on for as much as five hours. Another U.S. official who similarly spoke on condition of anonymity for the same reason said the Carney had intercepted at least one drone during the attack.
The strikes were in response to the demands of the Yemeni people and calls from Islamic nations to stand with the Palestinian people, according to a spokesperson for the rebels in a broadcast message.
An Israeli military spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request from AP for comment.
The reported incident follows a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters since war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7.
