Three U.S. warships were targeted by Iran-backed Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen on Friday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The attack involved nearly two dozen incoming missiles and drones, but the warships successfully intercepted all threats, preventing any damage or injuries, according to U.S. officials.
When attacked, the USS Stockdale, USS Spruance, and the coastal combat ship USS Indianapolis passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthi forces launched a complex array of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, in an attempt to strike the naval vessels.
“We did see a complex attack launched from the Houthis that ranged from cruise missiles and waves,” said Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh. “I understand those were either engaged, shot down, or failed.”
The USS Stockdale and USS Spruance are part of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which recently arrived in the Middle East from the Pacific. The group has been actively engaged in operations against Houthi forces, who have increased their attacks on commercial and military vessels amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Ongoing Maritime Disruptions
The attacks have caused a dramatic decline in commercial shipping through the Red Sea, with traffic dropping by 90% since October 2023, when tensions in the region escalated following attacks in Israel. This disruption has significantly impacted global trade routes, as the Red Sea is a key transit point for oil and goods between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
In recent incidents, the Houthis targeted a Greek-flagged oil tanker carrying a large volume of oil, sparking fears of a major environmental disaster. Fortunately, no major spill occurred, and fires on the vessel were controlled before the ship was towed to port.
U.S. Military Response
The U.S. has responded to Houthi provocations with force. American warships and aircraft have engaged the rebels multiple times over the past year, launching missiles and conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions. Earlier this year, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group fired numerous interceptor missiles and conducted bombing runs targeting Houthi forces in Yemen.
The Houthis’ aggression highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region as U.S. and allied forces continue efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial and military vessels through the strategically vital Red Sea.