In a concerning turn of events, an American warship, identified as the USS Carney, and several commercial vessels fell under attack in the Red Sea on Sunday, escalating tensions in the region. The Pentagon acknowledged the reports, marking a potentially significant escalation in a series of maritime assaults in the Middle East, which are suspected to be linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Confirming the incidents, a Pentagon spokesperson stated, “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.” The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was one of the targeted vessels.
The British military had earlier reported a suspected drone attack and subsequent explosions in the Red Sea, though specifics regarding the nature and origin of the attack remain undisclosed.
While the Pentagon refrained from identifying the source of the assault, attention has turned to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been actively launching attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have also been deploying drones and missiles targeting Israel amid its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
According to U.S. officials speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, the attack commenced around 10 a.m. in Sanaa, Yemen, lasting up to five hours. It was reported that the USS Carney intercepted at least one drone during the assault.
Despite no immediate comment from the Houthis, a Houthi military spokesman hinted at an imminent “important” statement to be released shortly, possibly shedding light on their involvement in the incident.
The maritime assaults have become a growing concern as the Israel-Hamas conflict threatens to extend into a broader regional confrontation. Despite a brief truce and exchanges of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel, the collapse of the ceasefire led to a resurgence of Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives, heightening the risk of further seaborne attacks.
This recent incident follows the Houthis’ seizure of a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea earlier in November, which they still hold near the port city of Hodeida. Additionally, missiles landed near another U.S. warship last week after its involvement in assisting a vessel connected to Israel that had briefly been seized by unidentified gunmen.
The targeting of American vessels signifies a significant escalation, as the Houthis had refrained from direct attacks on U.S. entities for some time. However, this latest assault raises the stakes in the ongoing maritime conflict. In 2016, the U.S. responded to missiles fired at its Navy ships by launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, destroying three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory.
The situation remains tense as authorities await further developments and the anticipated statement from the Houthi rebels, while concerns mount over the escalating conflict’s broader implications for regional stability.
Sources By Agencies